Paul Wellens coy on St Helens future with contract up following Tremendous League semi-final loss to Hull KR

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens mentioned discussions have to happen relating to his future after his aspect fell to a 20-12 loss within the Tremendous League semi-finals to Hull KR.

Wellens’ contract is now up and no announcement has been made as as to if he will likely be staying or if the membership will likely be stepping into one other route.

He took over initially of the 2023 season and received the World Membership Problem in his first recreation in cost in exceptional circumstances, beating Penrith Panthers with a golden-point drop aim.

Saints then completed third attributable to factors distinction in 2023 and went out within the semi-finals after a Sam Tomkins surprise strive, a distinctly poor 2024 following as they have been hampered by a raft of accidents, 2025 seeing them exit on the semi-final stage once more.

It means they haven’t picked up a home trophy since they accomplished their ‘4 in a row’ by clinching the Grand Remaining towards Leeds in 2022, their attacking construction coming below scrutiny plus poor recruitment an element many pundits have highlighted because the star gamers from that iconic crew become old and different large names transfer on.

Certainly, Wellens has made a complete of 12 signings in his time in cost, together with Deon Cross and Shane Wright who got here from in hassle Salford Purple Devils.

Nevertheless, for a membership that’s used to success, there’s a wide-ranging debate as as to if a change of coach is now the reply, with Wellens himself saying: “It is not one thing I need to get too caught up in proper now. I might want the main target to be on the gamers who’ve performed their final video games.

“We’ll have to have discussions moving forward.”

He added: “I think it got to the point were all of us were pretty set on getting to the end of the season and not making any announcements and decisions.

“I feel there may be a variety of emotion so we’ll let the mud settle. Fairly naturally, the membership have gotten to decide on what they need for the long run.

“Those discussions will take place sooner rather than later.

“There is no such thing as a doubt there may be an distinctive crop of younger gamers coming via the membership – Harry Robertson, George Whitby, George Delaney continues to be younger, Noah Stephens, Owen Dagnall, Leon Cowen.

“Whoever has the privilege to sit in this seat next year whether it be me or somebody else has got a wonderful group of players to work with and also there is some work to do, there is no getting away from that.”

Wilkin: There is no such thing as a yet another dedicated to Saints than Wellens however is it sufficient? | Recruitment has been a evident concern

For Sky Sports activities Rugby League’s Jon Wilkin, you can not deny Wellens’ ardour for the membership however the query mark is now whether or not that’s sufficient.

Certainly, it’s now a call on whether or not the outcomes haven’t met requirements anticipated or whether or not recruitment has been the evident concern that has hampered a inexperienced head coach.

“Yeah, he’s been under pressure all year and maybe getting to a Grand Final and winning it would solve some of that pressure, but it doesn’t really solve the problem for me at St Helens,” he mentioned.

“I feel it wants a cultural mindset shift from Kristian Woolf from Justin Holbrook to one thing totally different. And that comes via personnel as nicely.

“I think the recruitment’s been poor. I’ve been very vocal about the recruitment and we were having it out talking about this. I think there’s two or three real weak spots in that team that let them down repeatedly. And I think that needs to change.

“They confirmed spirit, did not they, on the again finish of this season. The final three months they’ve confirmed spirit, however is that sufficient?

Wilkin then added: “Paul, for individuals who do not know, Paul’s one among my finest mates, proper? So, I need to discuss character and high quality of particular person.

“There is no better person in my life than Paul Wellens. There is a separate thing there, is the pressure and expectation of being a head coach.

“Paul went into that job totally realizing, being a coach of his hometown crew, you aren’t getting an terrible lot of time to get it proper. And has he acquired it proper? I might in all probability say he hasn’t, primarily based on outcomes.

“Has the club got it right? I think the club were responsible to give him the job so quickly.

“I do not assume they need to have within the mild of what occurred with Kieron Cunningham. I feel Paul would have mentioned he was prepared. I feel simply give him a bit extra time, be delicate with him.

“And not only that, give him a real thrust of recruitment. I think the recruitment of the club has been poor for a number of years.

“Paul is a improbable rugby league coach. No matter occurs with him, he’ll work in rugby. If not league, he’ll undoubtedly work in rugby union. However, you recognize, it has been a difficult time. It has been a difficult couple of years.

“But I think what people need to remember that what fans want is passion and commitment and loyalty to their brand. There’s nobody done that and delivered that more. One of the greatest players the club’s ever had.

“And the remedy of that course of now must be cautious, I’d recommend.”

Tremendous League 2025 – remaining fixtures

All stay on Sky Sports activities; all instances UK and Eire

Semi-finals

• Fri October 3: Wigan Warriors 18-6 Leigh Leopards
• Sat October 4: Hull KR 20-12 St Helens

Grand Remaining (Previous Trafford)

• Sat October 11: Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors