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Versus Hull KR | 11 September 2020 Kick-off 6.00pm Totally Wicked Stadium BETFRED WHERE YOU SEE AN CONTENTS ARROW - CLICK ME!

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View from the Club James Bentley Interview Top News

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Opposition Heritage Squads

SUPER LEAGUE HONOURS: PRE–SUPER LEAGUE HONOURS: Editor: Jamie Allen

Super League Winners: 1996, 1999, Championship: 1931–32, 1952–53, Contributors: Alex Service, Bill Bates, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2019 1958–59, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1970–71, Steve Manning, Liam Platt, Gary World Club Challenge Honours: 1974–75 Wilton, Adam Cotham, Mark Onion, St. Helens R.F.C. Ltd 2001, 2007 Challenge Cup: 1955–56, 1960–61, Conor Cockroft. Totally Wicked Stadium, Challenge Cup Honours: 1996, 1997, 1965–66, 1971–72, 1975–76 McManus Drive, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 Leaders’ Shield: 1964–65, 1965–66 Photography: Bernard Platt, Liam St Helens, WA9 3AL BBC Sports Team Of The Year: 2006 Regal Trophy: 1987–88 Platt, SW Pix. League Leaders’ Shield: 2005, 2006, Premiership: 1975–76, 1976–77, Tel: 01744 455 050 2007, 2008, 2014, 2018, 2019 1984–85, 1992–93 Fax: 01744 455 055 Lancashire Cup: 1926–27, 1953–54, Ticket Hotline: 01744 455 052 1960–61, 1961–62, 1962–63, 1963–64, Email: [email protected] 1964–65, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1984–85, Web: www.saintsrlfc.com 1991–92 Lancashire League: 1929–30, Founded 1873 1931–32, 1952–53, 1959–60, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69 Charity Shield: 1992–93 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy: 1971–72, 1975–76

3 VIEW FROM THE CLUB... JAMES ROBY

I didn’t play last week against Huddersfield as I than coming on for the last half an hour or so. I am picked up a head knock during the game. I was sure it will do his confidence the world of good and out for a second or two, but opened my eyes and he keeps scoring tries now too – which I don’t! realised I was fine. I went straight to the changing rooms, passed the head assessment test with I was gutted for Doddy [Lewis Dodd]. He deserved the doctor and there has been no issues since. to make his debut and I know a lot of people However, given I was out for a few seconds plus have heard his name and know what potential the fact it was a short turn-around with less than 7 he has, but we see him day in, day out. He is a days until we played the Giants, I had to sit it out. great kid with a great character and he has got a I wasn’t needed anyway as the boys played really good attitude with the way he carries himself. He well and it was a good performance. deserved his shot, but most of the lads spoke to him and I chatted to him afterwards. I just told him it was not his fault, it was out of his control and he was just unlucky. These things happen and it might happen to someone else moving forward the way the world is at present. If he keeps doing what he is doing, he will get another shot in a few weeks because he deserves it.

I watched Hull KR beat Wigan and they threw the ball around a lot! It looks as though they have been given free reign to a bit more risky, throw it around and almost force the pass now and again. When it comes off, it looks good and it is entertaining. They scored some good tries so we know after playing them the other week and after watching the Wigan game, what they are capable of and where their dangers are. We must be at our best and the main thing for us is to keep our momentum going. We are five from five now after the break and the main thing is not to get carried away, we must take it game by game. As the fixture list gets more and more busy, we are going to get tested and we are going to need our whole squad in those periods.

It was nice to see a few young lads get their “HE IS A GREAT chance. At certain parts of the game, it was quite a young team, especially the back line and I thought KID WITH A GREAT they all did well. They made a claim for a jersey for sure. CHARACTER AND I thought Az [Smith] played really well and took HE HAS GOT A GOOD his chances when he had to run. Like me the week before, he took a bit of a head knock and it’s actually good experience to get a bit of a bang, go ATTITUDE WITH THE WAY and do your head checked, pass and come back on. It gives you a bit of confidence next time and HE CARRIES HIMSELF.” I thought he defended really well too. It was good that he got a good amount of game time rather

4 TOTALLY WICKED ST. HELENS IS MOVING HOME, SOON.

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In the coming weeks In the meantime we are still Totally Wicked St. Helens open as usual at 48 Church will be relocating to: St, St. Helens, WA10 1AD 18 Church Street, with all the Covid-19 safety St. Helens, WA10 1BD. measures in place.

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TW_Saints_Ad_160720.indd 1 12/08/2020 15:44 JAMES BENTLEY

AFTER CEMENTING HIS SPOT IN THE TEAM, WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE IMPRESSIVE JAMES BENTLEY ON ALL THINGS SAINTS AND THAT MOUSTACHE…

6 Q: You must be pleased with Q: Is there anything you have when we played them so we how you are playing at the worked on personally to know what we need to fix up moment? improve your game? to get another win.

A: I am really happy with how A: I think the main thing is my Q: And we are top of the I am going at the minute. I am defence. I have just tried to league again now. Is it about enjoying my rugby and that is make sure I am winning my building more momentum? hopefully showing on the pitch. tackles and I am solid and doing my job there. With my A: We weren’t happy where As a team we are playing really we were in the league before well too and that is the most carries, I have been trying to make sure I get us on the front the Lockdown and it was important thing. something we obviously foot and winning the ruck. focussed on. We wanted Q: Have you nailed down to get back up there where your position now in the back Q: Have you enjoyed the talk about you from our fan we belong and we just need row? to keep working hard and base on the back of your hopefully we will stay there. A: I think back row is definitely performances? my position. I think it suits how Q: We face Warrington in the A: It is always good to hear I like to play and especially Cup and then Wigan soon people talking about you on that right edge, playing too. Are those the games you when you are playing well. It alongside the likes of Theo look forward to as a player? has been nice, but I need to [Fages] and Kev [Naiqama], I keep on improving and getting think we are striking some nice A: Yes definitely. Those are the better each week. games you want to be playing combinations. in and hopefully as the season Q: We face Hull KR again, goes on we may get a few fans Q: Do you feel fitter and who had a good win at Wigan in too for those big games! stronger now? recently… Q: And finally. Tell us about A: Yes I think the Lockdown A: We know how they want the moustache…. really helped me. It allowed to play. They like to throw the me to get a lot more weight ball around and that is their A: I did it for a bit of a laugh training in and we all returned style and we saw that against and I think it is going to stay in good shape and I think you Wigan last week. We know because everyone seems to can see that in all the boys what we need to do and we be liking it. If I keep on playing since the restart. probably weren’t at our best well, it will definitely stay!

7 8 PREVIEWING TODAY’S MATCH!

QUARTET ALL FIT FOR HULL KR SAYS WOOLF

WELSBY READY FOR “DIFFERENT” HULL KR CHALLENGE

9 TOP NEWS THIS MONTH

YOUR 2020 MEMBERSHIP REBATE OPTIONS We would like to thank all those 2020 Members who completed our Membership options survey back in June. Following feedback from this we are now able to provide a further update to Members around options for their 2020 Membership.

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CLUB STATEMENT: MATCH TICKETS The Club has released information in regard to match tickets purchased

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THE SAINTS PODCAST: EPISODE 5 – KRISTIAN WOOLF Welcome to the fifth edition of our monthly Saints Podcast hosted by Sky Sports’ and Club Podcast host, Stuart Pyke, who sits down for a virtual chat with Head Coach Kristian Woolf to talk life in St Helens, the Covid period, the squad, retention, recruitment and more!

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CORAL CHALLENGE CUP, SIXTH ROUND AND QUARTER FINALS – UPDATE The RFL have confirmed Saints Coral Challenge Cup Quarter Final clash with Warrington on Saturday 19 September will be played at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium with kick off at 2:30pm live on BBC One whilst we will also host a number of cup ties.

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2020 BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE – UPDATE The RFL Board have approved a number of changes regarding fixtures, the league table and the salary cap, following discussions with the Super League Board and clubs about the specific challenges of the 2020 Betfred Super League season.

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OPPOSITION A WELCOME TO... HULL KR

All roads lead to our very own Totally Wicked During the off season there was a massive turn Stadium this week, as all fixtures are to be played around in playing personnel with no less than 19 in St. Helens. Saints are due to face Hull KR, for players leaving the club and 19 players recruited. the second time in less than three weeks and will Shaun Kenny- Dowall was their big named signing be looking to extend their run of five successive but Greg Minikin, Ethan Ryan, Jordan Abdul, Matty wins since the resumption of Super League XXV Gee, Jez Litten and Elliot Minchella are young names at the start of August. We are at the season’s mid- to look out for. point now and this year has certainly been like no And as the new squad gelled, the early part of the other, in the 125 year history of our great sport. season was tough, particularly as the threat of Saints come into tonight’s game on the back of relegation was very real. Rovers won their opening a great win over Huddersfield Giants, last Friday. match against Wakefield Trinity 30-12 at Craven Rovers though; are still bottom; but they will be Park, but then lost at Hull FC 16-25 and Leeds buoyant after their memorable defeat of the Wigan Rhinos 10-52. Two home losses followed at the Warriors. The Robins were absolutely outstanding hands of Huddersfield Giants 4-22 and Castleford in their 34-18 triumph and they thoroughly deserved Tigers 8-28 and the Robins were defeated at Wigan their win. Warriors 16-30. The opening part of the 2020 season ended with a narrow home Challenge Cup Rovers are only at the foot of the table because of victory over Leigh Centurions 22-19. the withdrawal of the Toronto Wolfpack team during the pandemic lockdown. But with the announcement The announcement that Rovers’ chairman, Neil Hudgell, is to leave the club at the end of the season that relegation has been scrapped in 2020, head- has come as a huge shock to us all. The second coach Tony Smith, has taken the shackles off his longest-serving chairman in the club’s history, Neil squad, reduced their structure and has seemingly has overseen 13 out of 16 his years in the top tier of told his team to go out and play football. the British game. Rovers had been ten years out of They were a little bit off the mark in their first game the elite when he took over – and he has overseen back after lock down against the Warrington Wolves massive ground improvements at Craven Park; and were comprehensively beaten 10-40, but notably the new Colin Hutton North Stand and the they did trouble a very good Warrington side, who extension to the East Stand. certainly knew that they’d been in a game. They were It was on 23 May 2004 that Neil Hudgell travelled to much better, next time out, against St. Helens, who Batley for his first game as chairman of Hull Kingston have been very good since the restart, and more Rovers. A 34-28 defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs matched their opponents in a highly competitive was not a particularly auspicious start for him, and, first-half that saw the teams go in at half-time, level at the time, it is doubtful that even Neil himself at 12 all. Saints were admittedly the better team, would have expected to be still in charge over 16 after the break, but Hull KR caused the Champions years later. But he still is, and he has been a huge all manner of problems and the final 18-32 scoreline character, not only in the history of Hull Kingston certainly flattered St. Helens. Rovers; but in the shaping of the Super League And last Thursday, without the injured Adam Quinlan competition. This evening’s game is his 499th as and Ben Crooks, Rovers were sensational against chairman of Hull KR, and next weekend, also here the then league leaders, Wigan Warriors. They totally at St. Helens, there should be a huge celebration out classed Wigan in every facet of the match. The as Neil clocks his 500th match as chairman against Warriors had no answer to Hull KR’s off the cuff, Leeds Rhinos in the Challenge Cup. From us all at free flowing rugby, as just about everything they St. Helens, we’d like to congratulate Neil on all of his tried came to fruition. Not only did they show they achievements at Hull Kingston Rovers and wish him could attack; their defence was also robust in a most all the very best for the future. pleasing victory. Bill Bates

13 SUBSCRIBE NOW AT TV.SAINTSRLFC.COM

Our NEW on-demand HD Pricing streaming platform brings you all * the latest match action, interviews, £1.99 £5.99 £69.99 features and behind-the-scenes Day Pass Monthly Pass Annual Pass content from the club straight to Subscribe with an Annual Pass today and your computer or mobile device. enjoy a 30-day free trial.

*Members receive a discounted annual subscription price of £49.99 per year. 5 TO WATCH SHAUN KENNY-DOWALL KANE LINNETT GREG MINIKIN JORDAN ABDUL JEZ LITTEN Shaun Kenny-Dowall joined Scottish International, Kane Greg joined Hull Kingston Jordan Abdul is in his second Jez Litten, aged 22, joined Rovers from Newcastle Knights Linnett was originally born in Rovers from Castleford spell at Hull KR. Predominantly Hull KR in August 2019 from at the start of the 2020 season. New South Wales, although Tigers at the start of the a half back he was originally fierce rivals Hull FC. Hooker, He made his NRL debut for the Aussie born back- 2020 campaign. A prolific a Hull FC player. He played Litten provides speed from the Sydney Roosters back in rower has featured for The try scorer, the 25 year for the Black and Whites dummy-half and he made 17 2007 and went on to become Bravehearts six times. Linnett predominantly plays on the from 2014 to 2016 before appearances for the Black one of their ‘all-time great’ scored 31 tries in 51 games wing. He began his career joining Rovers – on loan in and Whites following his players, scoring 123 tries in 226 for the Dragons in 2008/09, at York and scored 20 tries 2017, prior to returning to debut back in 2017. Midway appearances. A beaten Grand before being scooped up by in 39 appearances for the Hull FC in 2018. Jordan has through last season, Litten Finalist in 2010, he went one the Sydney Roosters in 2010. In City Knights. Greg joined scored 10 tries and 8 goals joined Doncaster – on loan better in 2013, scoring a try 2012, Linnett signed for North Castleford in 2016 and he in 54 appearances for Hull and scored two tries in in his team’s 26-18 defeat of Queensland Cowboys and went onto score 42 tries FC and in his first spell with the six matches, in which Manly. He joined Newcastle in went on to appear 164 times, in 95 appearances for the the Robins in 2017 he made he played, prior to joining 2017 and scored 18 tries in 53 scoring 53 tries. Acquiring Tigers and was and integral five appearances for the Rovers. Now at Hull KR, he appearances. Shaun has also Kane’s signature was a massive member their squad that club. In 2019, Jordan joined turned out four times for the scored nine tries in his 21 caps coup for Rovers ahead of the reached the Grand Final. London Broncos and had Robins last season. for New Zealand. 2019 season and he rewarded an outstanding season with them by scoring 10 tries in 27 the club. appearances in his first season with the club. KEY STATS SAINTS HIGHEST SAINTS HIGHEST HULL KR HOME WIN AWAY WIN FOUNDED IN 68-12 42-26 1882 KEY[2010] STATS(2019] 138 YEARS AGO

SAINTS ALL MATCHES [EXCLUDING FRIENDLIES] BIGGEST MARGINAL P W D L F A HOME DEFEAT HOME 66 59 0 7 1687 684 SUBSCRIBE NOW AT TV.SAINTSRLFC.COM AWAY 67 23 2 42 960 1116 3-20 [1910-11] NEUTRAL 6 4 0 2 181 78 TOTAL 139 86 2 51 2828 1878 Our NEW on-demand HD Pricing PREVIOUS LEAGUE ENCOUNTERS streaming platform brings you all * P W D L F A the latest match action, interviews, £1.99 £5.99 £69.99 HOME 58 52 0 6 1469 607 features and behind-the-scenes Day Pass Monthly Pass Annual Pass AWAY 58 21 2 35 845 948 content from the club straight to Subscribe with an Annual Pass today and your computer or mobile device. enjoy a 30-day free trial. NEUTRAL 2 2 0 0 86 18 TOTAL 118 75 2 41 2400 1573

*Members receive a discounted annual subscription price of £49.99 per year. 15 5 TO WATCH

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PHOTOGRAPHY PERFORMING HEALTH AND ARTS SOCIAL CARE

Charlotte Alex Ellen

After achieving D*D*D* at Alex was lucky enough to go Maternity Health Care St Helens College, photo to London and work with the Assistant, Ellen, was fanatic, Charlotte, is in prestigious Frantic Assembly recently recognised by search of the perfect role on their Ignition Project. The Whiston Hospital for working that will combine both company is one of the most extremely hard during her passion and talent respected theatre companies challenging circumstances, for photography with in the UK and they only tending to patients and her love for archaeology. accept 20 people per year ensuring their health and She has now begun her on to the programme. Alex safety. She is now looking exciting new journey has now secured his place forward to studying studying archaeology at the to study acting at London’s Midwifery at Liverpool John University of Liverpool. Italia Conti Theatre School. Moores University.

APPLY NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE WWW.STHELENS.AC.UK/APPLY

MEMORY LANE... by Alex Service

When we were the All Blacks! The Saints of 1909-10 in their special new strip line up outside the Talbot Hotel. Proud Captain ‘Jum’ Turtill is in the middle of the front row. ON THIS DAY: 11 SEPTEMBER

1905 Committee Meeting at Headquarters [Talbot What about a ‘dream team’ of all those guys who Hotel, Duke Street]: “Resolved that C. Creevey be have played for both clubs over the years? What paid 10/- insurance for damaged fore-finger.” about this XIII? It would take some beating! Mose Masoe in the centres – a frightening proposition! 1909 Northern Rugby League: St. Helens 5 Runcorn 5 at Knowsley Road. England #1218 Shannon MacDonnell; #1117 Ade Gardner, international forward Frank Lee scored the try; #26 William Jacques, #1214 Mose Masoe, #1029 Charlie Creevey kicked a goal. The Saints wore Anthony Sullivan [see pic]; #1219 Travis Burns, their new all-black kit for the first time. The #1226 Adam Quinlan, #1134 Nick Fozzard, #975 influence of the New Zealanders was apparent Dave Harrison, #707 Doug Holland, #1045 Andy with this choice. There was a record crowd of Dannatt, #1237 Adam Walker, #1127 Jon Wilkin. almost 10,000 spectators. Runcorn in myrtle jerseys, known as the Linnets, were a strong side in those days. 1954 Lancashire Cup Rd 1: St. Helens 27 Whitehaven 6 at Knowsley Road. Right winger Eric Ledger flew in for 4 tries. He repeated the dose against Wakefield at Belle Vue seven days later! 1977 First Division: St. Helens 39 Castleford 17 at Knowsley Road. Scrum-half Ken Gwilliam, more renowned for his graft around the scrum-base scored a memorable hat-trick of tries. 1994 Stones Bitter Championship: Workington Town 25 St Helens 30 at Derwent Park. Never an easy assignment up there in Cumbria! Unusually, Simon Booth partnered Bobbie Goulding in the halves. Saints’ try-scorers were Ian Pickavance [2], Paul Loughlin, Adam Fogerty and Sonny Nickle, with Bobbie Goulding also scoring a four-pointer ANTHONY SULLIVAN and adding three goals for good measure.

20 20 WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE SAINTS’ LEGENDS AND THEIR FAMILIES PICK UP THEIR CERTIFICATES

#173 #923

Peter and Michael Cottam receive Ernest Brian Parkes receives his Certificate from his Osborne Cottam’s Certificate in their long- former work colleague and Saints’ Heritage established tile shop in Duke Street, which Society member Adrian Lawrenson. Ernest founded before the First World War! Look out for further news about Heritage #785 Certificate Open Days during the 2021 season. Did your relatives play for Saints? Keith Northey was proud to receive his For comprehensive career details of Certificate from Saints’ Heritage Society our current and former players go to recently. www.saints.org.uk

23 See how we are keeping St Helens and Warrington Gas Safe www.hmsworks.co.uk

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#GSW20 #GasSafetyWeek

FOUNDATION NEWS Part of

NORTHERN ALARMS FULL PAGE COVID-19 FORCES CANCELLATION OF WOMEN’S COMPETITIONS IN 2020 The RFL announces new training sessions and local friendlies as ways of maintaining momentum in Women’s Rugby League following the decision not to restart the Coral Women’s Challenge Cup and to cancel the Betfred Women’s Super League competition in 2020.

RESERVES LEAGUE TO BE SHELVED FOR 2020 In consultation with clubs, the RFL has determined that the Reserves League should be cancelled for 2020. Clubs will still be encouraged to play friendly matches, and it is envisaged that the competition will resume in 2021 – with all decisions to be taken in line with Government advice.

ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIP CANCELLED FOR 2020 The RFL has written to all clubs who were due to be involved in the Academy Championship in 2020, and informed them that the decision has reluctantly been taken to cancel the competition this year. Planning has already begun for the resumption of Scholarships and Academies in 2021.

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REGAN GRACE JONNY LOMAX THEO FAGES ALEX WALMSLEY

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JOSEPH PAULO AARON SMITH JAMES BENTLEY MATTY COSTELLO

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