St Helens: Super League champions prepare for 2023 with Premier League training and Christmas cheer | Rugby league news
St Helens: Super League champions prepare for 2023 with Premier League training and Christmas cheer | Rugby league news
#Helens #Super #League #champions #prepare #Premier #League #training #Christmas #cheer #Rugby #league #news Welcome to InNewCL, here is the new story we have for you today:
Click Me To View Restricted Videos
Marc Bazeley
Reigning Betfred Super League champions St Helens have been busy on and off the field with their preparations for the new season; The 2023 Betfred Super League season begins Thursday 16th February live on InNewCL Sports
Last updated: 12/21/22 4:23 p.m
St. Helens is targeting a fifth straight Grand Final triumph in 2022
In terms of preparing for an unprecedented fifth straight Betfred Super League title, St Helens could do worse than spending time training at the home of one of their Premier League neighbours.
Following Kristian Woolf’s decision to return to Australia after three trophy-filled seasons as head coach, Saints are now stepping into a new era with the club playing the great Paul Wellens in dominance of the league.
There are also plans for the World Club Challenge to meet back-to-back Australian Premiers Penrith Panthers in February. When the opportunity arose to spend a day at Finch Farm training ground in Everton, they jumped at it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Super League Grand Final between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos.
Highlights of the Super League Grand Final between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos.
“The clubs are only a few miles apart and although they are different sports there is so much to learn from others and a relationship with the likes of Everton can only help us move forward,” said Wellens.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to use a facility like this at Everton so we have to say a big thank you to them. It’s great to know that we have sports clubs in other sports on our doorstep and ready to help us out.
“It’s always important that you try to keep things fresh and there are a number of ways you can do that, but one of them is by changing the venue. It’s great for the guys to come down to a facility like this and see how the other half live sort of.”
Apart from Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Tommy Makinson and English Rugby League World Cup team quartet Jack Welsby, the entire St Helens squad has been put through its paces on Everton’s 4G indoor pitch after the recent cold weather caused the had made training outdoors difficult.
Twitter Your consent settings prevent you from viewing these privacy options
Knowles, Lees, Makinson and Welsby will all return to training in January after being part of hosts England’s semi-finals. The first hit-out of the preseason comes later this month when Saints host Widnes Vikings in the testimonial match of longtime Dreiviertel Mark Percival.
But the Saints weren’t just busy on the field, the players on the men’s and women’s teams also spread a little cheer in the city and surrounding area ahead of Christmas.
Along with the St Helens Community Development Foundation, players have been delivering cards and Christmas gifts to students and school staff, and Wellens wants to ensure the team does their part to give back and inspire those who fill the stands and terraces from Totally Wicked fill stadium.
“Here at Saints we know how important the club is to the people of the city,” said Wellens.
St. Helens men’s captain James Roby and women’s star Tara Jones visited students at Corpus Christi Primary School in Rainford
“The local community supports the club through thick and thin and it is only right that we as players and staff work with our Saints Community Development Foundation to put smiles on children’s faces.
“Not everyone is as lucky as we are and rugby league as a sport is about inspiring communities. Our foundation does this throughout the year through various projects including dementia cafes, holiday camps, mental health projects and integrative activities.
“We fully support their work and all our players are happy to give something back.”
The 2023 Betfred Super League season kicks off in February with two round 1 matches live on InNewCL Sports. Grand Final runners-up Leeds Rhinos travel to Warrington Wolves on Thursday 16 February, followed by promoted Leigh Leopards who host Salford Red Devils on Friday 17 February.
