Matty Evans, Tom Humphreys, Billy Keeley, Alfie Tate, and Luca Walsh will embark on their first full-time pre-seasons as members of the senior St.Helens squad and follow in the footsteps of our homegrown stars such as Jack Welsby, Matty Lees, and Harry Robertson, to name just a few.
Four of these young men (Evans, Humphreys, Keeley and Tate) have come all the way through our system, from our Under-16s Scholarship programme, into the Academy and Reserves to get to where they are now.
Walsh, who joined our Academy in early 2025, was spotted playing in France and was offered the opportunity to develop with the Saints youth setup, and now joins his four peers within our elite environment.
Our five Academy talents will begin their work within the First Team from next week, with their first full-time pre-season.
St.Helens Academy Head Coach Derek Traynor commented on the news and said: “It’s fantastic to have these young men take their next steps, and combined with players in recent years making that step up too, it has been a very successful cohort.
“All five of these players have been key for our Academy last year, and they have all got fantastic attitudes, great attributes to their game, and a real desire to learn. Their work ethic stands them out, too. Now, it’s about proving they can do it at the top level.
“Our success as a Club has been built on a foundation of homegrown players. Look back at our Grand Final winning teams, and a lot of the teams have been Academy graduates.
“The challenge now for these five lads is to push the seasoned First Team players, compete, learn and try to make their marks in the squad, and we wish them the very best with that task.”
HONOURING THE PAST.
INSPIRING THE FUTURE.
In 2026 St.Helens R.F.C. marks a momentous milestone – 30 years on from our club securing the Double with the 1996 Challenge Cup trophy and the inaugural Super League title. Saints will celebrate three decades of thrilling rugby league action, unforgettable moments, and the unwavering passion of the Red V faithful.
On the field, our next generation of homegrown stars await, and they will be striving to repeat the successes of the glorious 1996 season.
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