St Helens 2026 season preview
2025 recap
Saints’ 2025 campaign was largely disappointing, as they finished 5th in the table and never looked like realistic contenders.
That said, they still got within 80 minutes of Old Trafford, but a 20-12 loss to Hull KR saw their season come to an end, and coach Paul Wellens left shortly after.
2025 position: 5th
Key signings
Shane Wright (Salford Red Devils), Jacob Host (South Sydney Rabbitohs), David Klemmer (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jacob Douglas (Wigan), Joe Shorrocks (Salford Red Devils), Jackson Hastings (Newcastle Knights), Nene Macdonald (Salford Red Devils)
Key departures
Morgan Knowles (Dolphins), Moses Mbye (Ipswich Jets), Tee Ritson (Barrow), Kian McGann (Wakefield), Jon Bennison (York), Konrad Hurrell (Lezignan), Joe Batchelor (Hull FC), James Bell (Hull FC), Will Roberts (York), Dayon Sambou (Wigan), Jonny Vaughan (Wigan), Ciaran Nolan (Released), Leon Cowen (Halifax Panthers – season-long loan)
Players to watch
Jackson Hastings is back in Super League after four largely underwhelming years in the NRL. Prior to his move Down Under, he was one of the competition’s best players and picked up the Man of Steel Award in 2019. There’s no doubting his talent, and still aged just 30, I think he’ll be a great pick up for Saints.
David Klemmer is another notable arrival from Down Under. At 32, he’s one of those signings that could go either way. Is he here for one final payday and a chance to explore Europe before heading home, or is he going to show everyone why he’s a World Cup winner with 14 Orgin games under his belt?
Young gun
Winger Owen Dagnall made a solid start to his first grade career in 2025. The 20-year-old scored eight tries in 12 games, and with Kyle Feldt not getting any younger and Deon Cross not fully convinicng, there could be more opportunites coming his way this year.
Our prediction – 5th
I’m expecting more of the same from Saints this season. I think they’ll be better than last year, but there are better sides in Super League, so I can’t see them troubling the top two spots.
