Saints are looking for their 13th full time coach the Super League era – and Goulding believes Michael Cheika fits the bill, but has other ideas for the short term.

Cheika is currently involved with the set up at NRL outfit Sydney Roosters having coached in rugby union with Australia, Argentina, Leicester Tigers, NSW Waratahs, and Stade Français. Since 2020, he has been the Lebanon national rugby league team’s head coach.

Goulding, who skippered Saints in his spell at Knowsley Road between 1994-98, said: “St Helens don’t just need another coach – they need to make a statement.

“My choice would be Michael Cheika.

“The former Australian Rugby Union head coach has been working with the Sydney Roosters over the last couple of years, and everything I’m hearing about him is exciting.

“If Saints have the opportunity to bring him in and don’t take it, I honestly believe they’ll have missed a huge chance to take the club where it belongs.

“A coach of that calibre wouldn’t just improve the team; he’d bring worldwide attention, fresh ideas, and put St Helens firmly on the global rugby map.”

Bobbie Goulding in his days as France coach in 2010 (Image: DAVE WINTER/SWPIX.COM)

Goulding, who coached Rochdale, Swinton and the French national team, believes he could in the short term help out the club he left as a player in 1998.

He added: “Until someone like Michael Cheika is available, the club needs stability, guidance, enthusiasm and belief.

“This current squad isn’t a bad squad.

“They don’t need ripping apart or a complete overhaul. The foundations and game plan are already there.

“Maybe a tweak here, a tweak there, but certainly no major surgery.

“That’s where I believe I could make a real difference.

“I’d work alongside the current coaching staff until the end of the season, bringing in one or two experienced coaches—not players—to add fresh ideas and energy.

“My job would be to rebuild belief, restore confidence, lift standards and reignite the passion that has always made St Helens special.

“I’ve always believed that coaching is about people first.

“Tactics matter, but if your players don’t believe in themselves, don’t enjoy what they’re doing and don’t have the fire in their bellies, then no game plan in the world will save you.

“I’d bring enthusiasm every single day. I’d bring energy, desire, honesty and accountability.

“I’d make players smile again, but I’d also put a rocket under them when it’s needed.

“They’d know exactly what’s expected every time they stepped onto the training field and every time they pulled on that famous St Helens shirt.

“This gives the club breathing space. It allows them to make the right long-term appointment instead of rushing into the wrong one.

“Then, if Michael Cheika is available, go and get him.

“Make the statement. Show ambition.

“Show the rugby world that St Helens are thinking bigger than just next week—they’re building for the next decade.”