The Saints are open to more new signings with a big call to make.
15:53, 29 Nov 2025Updated 16:04, 29 Nov 2025
Paul Rowley is the new head coach of St Helens,
Paul Rowley has teased that there could be more recruitment on the way at St Helens but insists there is nothing set in stone just yet.
Releasing the 2026 squad numbers earlier this month, Rowley, who replaced Paul Wellens as head coach of the Saints ahead of next season, opted to leave the number 25 shirt vacant, with the club making no secret that they were exploring further recruitment options.
They have since signed Jackon Hastings, with the Australian half-back taking the 31 shirt. Therefore, the 25 shirt is still vacant, and Rowley is open to filling it.
Speaking at a club event this week, he said: “I think a squad is always fluid and recruitment is always a fluid thing. We’ve left that (the 25 shirt) open but it’s not a guess-who game or anything like that so you can relax but we’re always looking, obviously.
“There might be some movement there and someone might drop out and then we’re in a position to strike, so it’s just conveniently left just in case.”
Asked if talks were ongoing, he confirmed: “No – no conversations are happening at the minute but who knows?”
Meanwhile, Rowley also spoke of the Saints’ biggest talking point going into 2026: their spine. With Hastings joined by Jonny Lomax, Tristan Sailor, Jack Welsby, and young George Whitby, the Saints are not short on options.
Rowley is expecting to play a similar style to that seen during his Leigh and Salford days with plenty of shape and movement. However, a big decision will come on the make-up of his full-back and half-back spots first.
But whichever way Rowley goes, he’s going to back it and not chop and change.
He explained: “Every time I’ve seen somebody, whether it’s been from within or outside the club, the big question is, ‘What’s the spine going to be?’
“Everybody has got an opinion so I think the important thing for me is to make sure whoever that spine is, they get clarity and honesty right from the bat.
“What I’ll say is that clearly I and the club signed Jackson Hastings so Jackson is coming over here to play, but like anybody else, he’s got to perform.
“There is pressure on all the positions and I would expect standards to be high but I’ve certainly got a preferred choice but you’ll have to wait and see.”
He added: “I think one obvious thing is to pick something and stick with it. Hopefully the three that I go with are consistent and we don’t need to tinker with it too much.”