St Helens Youngster George Delaney Shines in Victory Over Leeds Rhinos
On Friday night, St Helens claimed a decisive 40-10 victory over the Leeds Rhinos, solidifying their position atop the Super League table. In the aftermath, head coach Paul Wellens heaped praise on young forward George Delaney, labeling his performance as “outstanding“.
Delaney, who only turned 20 in February, was called into action just six minutes into the Round 12 clash after an injury to Joe Batchelor. The Whiston-born forward went on to play the remaining 74 minutes, delivering a dominant display in the front row.
The statistics paint a picture of Delaney’s remarkable contribution. He made 31 tackles, the third-highest tally on the team, and amassed 135 metres with the ball – second only to veteran teammate Mark Percival. Additionally, Delaney made four tackle busts, showcasing his physicality and attacking flair.
Wellens acknowledged the significance of Delaney’s performance, emphasizing the importance of managing the young player’s workload and development. “I have to be careful as a coach, and we have to be careful as a club, and still remember that he is 20 years of age,” the Saints boss said.
Despite his tender age, Delaney has already made 35 senior appearances for the Red V, as well as six outings for Swinton Lions on dual-registration this season. Wellens believes the young forward “doesn’t look out of place” and is only set to improve further.
The victory over the Rhinos was a testament to St Helens’ depth and the emergence of talented young players like Delaney. As the Super League season progresses, fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the continued development of this promising forward.
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