With a deep roster, a seasoned core, and the addition of NRL talent, St Helens are poised to be a team to watch in 2024.
St Helens may have made only three signings in a relatively quiet off-season,
but the additions they’ve secured, coupled with some crucial player decisions,
could have a transformative impact on their team for the 2024 Super League
season. The reigning champions, known for their consistency and ability to
produce top talent from their academy, face a season of high expectations as
they look to extend their dominance in European rugby league.
The NRL Trio: Vital Reinforcements for the Red Vee.
This season’s key recruitment includes three players who are expected to
significantly strengthen the St Helens squad. While the club has faced
criticism for not being more active in the transfer market in recent years, their
latest signings are anything but understated.
- Sione Mata’utia (Forward).
The signing of Sione Mata’utia is a real coup for St Helens. The 26-year-old Australian forward brings a wealth of NRL experience to the team. Known for his aggressive style of play, Mata’utia is a versatile forward who can play in the back row or in the middle. His ability to hit hard in defence and break through the line in attack makes him an exciting addition to a pack that already boasts great depth and quality. His presence will allow St Helens to have a more dynamic forward rotation, particularly in key matchups against the best teams in the competition. - Tevita Funa (Wing).
Tevita Funa arrives from the NRL with a reputation as a strong, quick, and powerful winger. His pace and finishing ability on the outside are key attributes that St Helens will look to exploit. He will provide competition for the wing spots alongside some of the club’s established stars. His size and speed could be particularly important in wide play, helping the team break down defences and finish off attacking moves with precision. - Blake Ferguson (Centre/Wing).
The signing of Blake Ferguson brings an experienced and proven try-scorer to the Saints’ backline. Ferguson, who has spent the majority of his career in the NRL, is renowned for his athleticism, aerial ability, and finishing skills. His powerful frame and sharp footwork allow him to break tackles and gain significant yardage. With St Helens boasting an already strong attacking line, Ferguson’s arrival adds another layer of experience and threat, which will only bolster their chances of success in the coming season.
Konrad Hurrell’s Future: The Big Decision.
Another critical aspect for St Helens heading into 2024 is the decision
regarding the future of Konrad Hurrell. The powerful centre has been an
integral part of their backline since joining, known for his strong running
game and physicality. However, following some inconsistent performances last
season and the emergence of younger talent, the club faces a tough decision
about Hurrell’s role moving forward. The powerhouse centre could either
provide a strong option off the bench or might be relegated to a less prominent
position, depending on the performance of other players in the squad.
If Hurrell is to retain his starting role, his attacking prowess and ability to
break the line will be crucial for St Helens, especially in tight matches where
physicality can often be the difference. But, with younger players like Jonny
Vaughan and Noah Stephens coming through the ranks, the decision to
stick with Hurrell or move forward with fresh legs will be one to keep an eye
on as the season progresses.
St Helens’ Strongest XIII for 2024.
Considering their recent signings, player development, and decisions like that
surrounding Hurrell, here is how St Helens’ strongest XIII could shape up for
the 2024 season:
- Fullback – Jack Welsby.
A key figure for the Saints, Welsby’s versatility and creativity make him a constant threat in attack. Expect him to continue being one of the Super League’s most influential players. - Wing – Tevita Funa.
Funa’s pace and finishing ability make him an ideal choice on the wing, offering an extra option for St Helens to exploit wide spaces. - Centre – Blake Ferguson.
Ferguson’s experience and finishing power could see him take on a starting centre role, where he can add a physical presence and goal-scoring threat. - Centre – Konrad Hurrell (If Retained).
If Hurrell stays in the starting lineup, his physicality will be a key asset in a powerful centre pairing alongside Ferguson. - Wing – Tommy Makinson.
One of the best wingers in the competition, Makinson’s consistency and try-scoring ability are indispensable to St Helens. - Stand-off – Jonny Lomax.
The experienced half-back continues to be the heartbeat of the St Helens attack. His vision, kicking game, and leadership are vital. - Scrum-half – Lewis Dodd.
Dodd’s combination with Lomax offers creative sparks, and his tactical kicking and ability to orchestrate play will be key to St Helens’ attacking game. - Prop – Alex Walmsley.
Walmsley remains one of the top forwards in the league, with his size and strength allowing him to dominate in the middle. - Hooker – James Roby.
At 38, Roby continues to defy age, with his work rate and leadership still vital to St Helens’ pack and defensive structure. - Prop – Sione Mata’utia.
Mata’utia will add depth to the forward pack, capable of playing in various positions and adding grit to the middle of the field. - Second Row – Morgan Knowles.
Knowles’ defensive nous and ability to play an expansive game make him an invaluable asset to the St Helens pack. - Second Row – Joe Batchelor.
Batchelor’s work rate and athleticism will continue to be essential for St Helens, providing balance to the back row alongside Knowles. - Loose Forward – Kyle Amor.
Amor’s leadership and experience in the back row allow him to steer the team in both defence and attack.
Conclusion: A Stronger, More Balanced St Helens.
While their recruitment has been modest in comparison to some of their
rivals, the signings of Mata’utia, Funa, and Ferguson are likely to make a big
impact on St Helens’ Super League title hopes. Coupled with key decisions like
that of Hurrell and the continued development of academy stars, the Saints
look primed to be one of the most formidable teams in the competition once
again. Their strength in depth, experienced core, and influx of NRL talent
make them a side to watch in 2024.
