St Helens Chairman Eamonn McManus: No Pressure on New Coach Paul Rowley
In a recent interview, St Helens Chairman Eamonn McManus addressed the upcoming season and the new head coach, Paul Rowley. McManus made it clear that Rowley is not under immediate pressure to deliver results, despite the club's recent successes and the competitive nature of the Super League.
Rowley, the former Salford Red Devils coach, joined St Helens during the off-season, taking over from Paul Wellens. The club has had an impressive run from 2019 to early 2023, winning four consecutive Super League Grand Finals, the Challenge Cup, and the World Club Challenge. However, McManus acknowledges that recent seasons have been less stellar.
"But here's where it gets controversial..." McManus stated, "While a good start is important in rugby league, I'm more focused on how we finish the season. We've seen teams start strongly and then fade, so it's a delicate balance." He continued, "This league is incredibly competitive. We've gone from a few top contenders to a league with seven, eight, or even nine teams vying for the top spots."
In preparation for the 2026 campaign, St Helens has made some significant signings, including David Klammer from the St George Illawarra Dragons, former Man of Steel Jackson Hastings, and several other talented players. The club has also retained key players like Jake Wingfield and Daryl Clark.
Despite these changes, McManus believes the club's recruitment strategy is well-calculated and not a gamble. "Everything we do is a calculated risk," he explained. "The results of the past few years haven't met our standards, but we can't expect continuous success. Other clubs have improved significantly, and the investment in Super League clubs has created a more competitive landscape."
And this is the part most people miss... McManus highlights the increased competition, stating, "There are now many more clubs producing and chasing top-class players. It's no longer just a few teams picking the cream of the crop."
So, will St Helens and Paul Rowley hit the ground running, or will they need time to find their footing? What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this exciting new chapter for St Helens.
