Rugby League News: St Helens Prepare for Life After Tommy Makinson
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As the 2023 Super League season progresses, St Helens are gearing up for a significant transition with the impending departure of experienced winger Tommy Makinson. After an illustrious career with the Saints, Makinson will join the Catalans Dragons in the summer, marking the end of his long-standing tenure with the club.
Makinson, who has represented St Helens throughout his entire career, has been a pivotal figure for the team, winning five Super League Grand Finals, a Challenge Cup, and a World Club Challenge. His departure will undoubtedly leave a considerable void in the Saints’ lineup.
Speaking in his weekly press conference, St Helens head coach Paul Wellens outlined the club’s plans to address Makinson’s departure. Wellens believes that the team does not necessarily need to look externally for a replacement, as the club’s youth setup boasts talented and eager outside backs who are keen to seize the opportunity.
“What we have got here at the club is some really young, exciting outside backs within the club who I’m sure will be very keen to stake a claim for that position, and we’ll certainly be giving them the opportunity to do that,” Wellens said.
However, the coach did not rule out the possibility of exploring the transfer market to find a suitable replacement for the experienced winger. “But we’ll also be looking externally as well to see where we can fill that void. Those conversations are already ongoing, but replacing a player of Tommy’s calibre is no easy task.”
Wellens also provided an update on the contract situation of Waqa Blake, who joined the Saints in the off-season. Despite Makinson’s impending departure, the club is yet to discuss a new contract with Blake, as the focus remains on helping the player develop consistency in his overall game.
“He’s a brilliant finisher, he took a lot of those tries extremely well and he carries the ball out of yardage well,” Wellens said of Blake’s recent performances.
As the 2023 season progresses, St Helens face the challenge of navigating life without the talismanic Tommy Makinson. However, with the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and the potential to explore the transfer market, the Saints are well-positioned to maintain their competitive edge in the rugby league landscape.
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