SAINTS chairman Eamonn McManus has vowed to strengthen the playing roster and the coaching team after the club today confirmed that Paul Wellens will remain Head Coach for the 2025 season.

Wellens is currently into his second year as Saints boss having replaced Kristian Woolf in November 2022, and the club today triggered his 12-month extension.

Although Saints have been beset by injuries during this current campaign, the problems Wellens has encountered have been compounded by an ageing squad that is slowly breaking up.

Although Saints always have a ready supply of youngsters to step up, the Saints chairman gives a strong indication that steps are being taken to bolster both the playing roster and Wellens’ backroom staff.

McManus said: “Paul has had to deal with a squad shorn of many of his star players for much of 2024.

“He deserves an opportunity to prove himself under better circumstances for the balance of this season and next, and to bring success to the club.

“We will also be looking to improve and strengthen the squad in certain areas for next season, as well as strengthening the coaching team supporting Paul.”

That coaching team reference will inevitably lead to further speculation on Lee Briers returning to St Helens after his announcement to leave Brisbane last month, but nothing appears to be over the line on that matter just yet.

Playing wise Saints have already announced the arrival of Tristan Sailor as an effective replacement for the departing Lewis Dodd.

They will also be seeking a replacement for Catalans-bound Tommy Makinson, with further recruitment also necessary in the outside backs to complement the young talent coming through in the shape of Harry Robertson and Jonny Vaughan, and other departures likely.