St Helens R.F.C. Explained

Clubname:St Helens
Nickname:The Saints
Red V
Colours:White and red
Capacity:18,000
Captain:Jonny Lomax
Position:3rd
Current:2023 St Helens R.F.C. season
Cup1titles:17
Cup2:Challenge Cups
Cup2titles:13
Cup3:World Club Challenges
Cup3titles:3
Cup4:Other honours
Cap:551
Points:3,413
Mostpoints:Kel Coslett
Pattern La1:_redborder
Pattern B1:_Vwidered
Pattern Ra1:_redborder
Pattern Sh1:_whitesides
Pattern So1:_redtop
Body1:FFFFFF
Shorts1:FF0000
Pattern B2:_thinredsides
Pattern Sh2:_redsides
Leftarm2:000000
Body2:000000
Rightarm2:000000
Shorts2:000000
Socks2:000000

St Helens R.F.C., commonly known as Saints, is a professional rugby league club in St Helens, Merseyside, England. Founded in 1873, the club is one of the oldest members of the Rugby Football League, and one of the most successful clubs in its history. The club plays their home games at the Totally Wicked Stadium and currently compete in Super League, the top tier of British rugby league system. Since 1961 the club's home colours have been distinctive white shirts with a prominent red "V" on the chest of the jersey.

One of the most successful clubs in Rugby League, St Helens have won the League Championship 17 times, the Challenge Cup 13 times and World Club Challenge on three occasions.[1] [2] Since the foundation of the Super League in 1996, Saints have been the most successful team, winning 10 championships (including 4 in a row between 2019 and 2022), and being runner up a further 5 times (losing to Leeds Rhinos each time between 2007 and 2011), while winning the League Leaders Shield 9 times.

They club have a traditional rivalry with Wigan Warriors as the two most successful clubs in the British game, and close regional rivals. The clubs face each other traditionally on Good Friday. The club also have a local rivalry with the Warrington Wolves and a rivalry with Leeds Rhinos borne out of close competition during the Super League era.

History

See main article: History of St Helens R.F.C..

See also: List of St Helens R.F.C. seasons.

Early years (1873–1945)

St Helens are the oldest members of the Rugby Football League.[3] Founded as St Helens Football Club on 19 November 1873 at the Fleece Hotel by William Douglas Herman,[4] they played their first ever match on 31 January 1874 against Liverpool Royal Infirmary.[5] They became known as St Helens Rangers up until the 1880s. The club moved from the City Ground in 1890 where they had shared with St Helens Recs when neither were members of the Northern Rugby Football Union. They defeated Manchester Rangers in the first match played at Knowsley Road.

In 1895 the club were one of 22 clubs that resigned from the Rugby Football Union and established the Northern Union. The first match of the new code was an 8–3 win at home to Rochdale Hornets before 3,000 spectators, Bob Doherty scoring St Helens' first try.[6] They played in a vertically striped blue and white jersey—a stark contrast to the well known broad red band which would become the kit for the club later. The club reverted to this kit for one season during the rugby league centenary season in 1995.

The Challenge Cup was launched in 1897 and it was St Helens who contested its first final with Batley, at Headingley, Leeds. The "Gallant Youths" of Batley emerged victorious 10–3,[7] [8] with Dave "Red" Traynor scoring the lone St Helens' try.[9]

Between 1897 and 1901, St Helens were not successful, even generally considered a mid—table side.[10] [11] [12] They finished second to bottom in the 1900–01 Lancashire League season, meaning they did not qualify to compete in the national league the year later.[13] In the 1901–02 season, however, they did finish third in the Lancashire league.[14] In 1902–03, the combined Lancashire and Yorkshire leagues saw St Helens enter for the first time. St Helens were placed in Division 1 but finished next to bottom and suffered relegation.[15] Promotion was gained at the first attempt,[16] only for another poor year to see them finish once again in a relegation position.[17] However the two Divisions became one League to save the club from a second relegation.[18] The Champion fortunes that St Helens fans' greet today were certainly not apparent in this period, with the club finishing fourth to bottom in 1907,[19] third to bottom in 1908,[20] and consistently mid—table between 1909 and 1913.[21] [22] [23] [24] [25]

On 14 June 1913, St Helens Recs joined the Northern Union after defecting from rugby union and association football. The Recs were based individually at the City Road ground, after previously sharing with St Helens, before their move to Knowsley Road, when neither played rugby league. The Recs played their first game on 6 September 1913. St Helens now had two professional rugby league teams. In both sides first year in co—existence, St Helens finished yet again in a disappointing low mid—table finish.[26]

During the First World War, St Helens struggled to compete and failed to complete the full fixture list of the Emergency War League on two occasions,[27] [28] [29] with the club finishing mid—table in the first year of the war,[30] as well as being beaten by 37 points to 3 by Huddersfield in that year's Challenge Cup Final.[31]

The aftermath of the war was still taking its toll on national sport, not merely the club's ability to compete and complete fixtures, on 31 January 1918 'close down' due to a lack of finances following a 22–0 defeat by Widnes. Saints re-open on 25 December 1918 and are beaten 20 points to nil by St Helens Recs in a friendly fixture at City Road. In the shortened 1918–1919 season, St Helens played only nine times.[32] The club's lack of success and disappointing league finishes continued for another seven seasons.[33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39]

The club defeated town rivals the Recs in the Lancashire County Cup Final by 10 points to 2 in the 1926–27 season.[40] The season after, they were trophyless, finishing tenth in a 28—team league.[41] One year after the Challenge Cup's début at Wembley, St Helens reached the final there where they were defeated by 10 points to 3 by Widnes in 1930.[42] They won their first ever National Championship in the 1931–32 season,[43] defeating Huddersfield 9–5 in the final.[44] This was the same season that they won their second Lancashire League,[45] the first coming in the 1929–30 season.[46] They lost the 1933 Lancashire Cup Final to Warrington,[47] whilst finishing in no competitive position in the league once more.[48] St Helens reached no finals or achieved any more honours during the remainder of the 1930s. Also, what appeared to be building as something of an inter—town derby between the two St Helens clubs was struck down as St Helens Recs played their last game on 29 April 1939, as, due to the economic depression, it was not possible for the town to sustain two teams.[49]

Like during the First World War, the club could not enjoy having a full—time squad during the Second World War and struggled to compete. They did not compete in the National Championship until a 17 team Emergency War League was formed in the 1941–42 season,[50] and did not win any regional honours. They finished bottom of the EWL in seasons 1942–43[51] and 1943–44[52] and next-to-bottom in 1944–45.[53]

Post-war (1945–1979)

The club's fortunes that had seen them be successful so rarely the decade previous did not change in the 1940s. After the commitments of the Second World War, St Helens still found it hard to compete, and the trend of finishing as a mid—table side was once more apparent.[54] [55] [56] [57] [58] The first two years of the 1950s, the last two years of Peter Lyons' reign, also ended trophyless.[59] [60]

The arrival of Jim Sullivan as head coach in 1952[61] heralded a successful era for St Helens, and helped to establish the club as a respected force in British and eventually world rugby league. Under Sullivan, St Helens reached, and lost, the 1952–53 Challenge Cup final.[62] They didn't have long to wait for trophies as St Helens won the Lancashire Leagues, in 1952–53,[63] The 1953 Championship final against Halifax was held at Manchester City's Maine Road ground; in front of a crowd of over 50,000, Saints won their second Championship 24–14. They also won the 1953 Lancashire Cup, beating Wigan 16–8 at Swinton, the first time the two old rivals had clashed in a major final, Saints.

Sullivan took Saints to their first victory in the Challenge Cup final (against Halifax in 1956),[64] On Saturday 24 November 1956, St Helens inflicted a touring Australia its biggest ever defeat with a 44–2 win.[65]

The following year saw Saints win the 1956-7 Lancashire League 1956–57[66] and they won it again in 1958–59.[67] Sullivan's second championship came in 1958–59.[68] A second Lancashire County Cup came in 1960–61,[69]

Ex—St Helens captain and prop-forward Alan Prescott took over from Jim Sullivan as head coach in 1959. Perhaps the golden era of the club came in the 1960s, as well as more lately in the Super League era. With a galaxy of stars including Tom van Vollenhoven, Alex Murphy, Dick Huddart, Cliff Watson, Ray French and Vince Karalius, the 1960s was a decade of great success for the Saints. In Prescott's first season as coach he lifted the Lancashire League in the 1959–60 season.[70] During this decade, the recognisable 'red vee' strip first appeared in 1961 for the final against Wigan. St Helens won this epic 12–6,[71] and the kit has since become synonymous with the club. Mick Sullivan joined Saints for £11,000, then a record transfer fee. They won the Lancashire Cup in the 1961–62 season, with a 25–9 success over Swinton (at Central Park, Wigan) seeing yet more silverware come St Helens' way under the management of Prescott.[72] After his departure in 1962, Stan McCormick led the club to retaining the Lancashire Cup in his first year,[73] again beating Swinton; and St Helens made it a quadruplet of Lancashire Cup successes with wins against Leigh in 1964,[74] and once more Swinton in 1965, the latter success under coach Joe Coan.[75] St Helens won the Western Division Championship under McCormick's rule, beating Swinton 10–7.[76] St Helens, under coach Joe Coan, lost the 1964–65 Championship final to Halifax at Station Road, Swinton.[77] The 1965 New Zealand tourists appeared at Knowsley Road on Wednesday 15 September. Saints inflicted a 28–7 defeat on their visitors,[78] their biggest loss of the tour. A League[79] and Cup[80] double was achieved under Coan in the 1965–66 season, whilst they lost the Floodlit Trophy final against Castleford.[81] St Helens were beaten by Wakefield Trinity in the 1967 Rugby Football League Championship Final at Station Road, Swinton on 10 May 1967 by 20 points to 9 in a replay,[82] after a 7–7 draw 4 days earlier.[83] This would be Coan's last year in charge at St Helens after a highly successful period as boss. He was replaced by Cliff Evans.

Evans' first full season in charge at the club saw him win the club's eighth Lancashire Cup in 1968; winning 13–10 against Warrington after a replay.[84] St Helens retained the Lancashire Cup the year later,[85] whilst also winning the Lancashire League for being the highest placed Lancashire side in the National standings,[86] and they also reached the final of the Floodlit Trophy that season, where they were beaten 7–4 by Wigan.[87] The 1969–70 season would be the year that Evans would leave his post, but not without winning a National Championship, beating Leeds in the final after finishing third overall.[88]

The 1970s were also seen as a successful spell for St Helens, as they reached three Challenge Cup finals in the period. Jim Challinor took over from Cliff Evans in 1970, and in his first season, he won the Championship,[89] [90] and reached two finals, the Lancashire Cup and Floodlit Trophy, losing both.[91] [92] In this season, a European Championship—not dissimilar to today's World Club Challenge—was contested between St Helens and French champions St Gaudens. Over a two—legged game, St Helens won 92–11 on aggregate.[93] [94] In their first Challenge Cup Final of the 1970s, they defeated Leeds in 1972 16–13,[95] in addition to winning their first Floodlit Trophy, after losing out in the final three times before, with an 8–2 win over Rochdale.[96] The club reached the Championship final in that season, but were beaten.[97] No success was achieved in seasons 1972–73 and 1973–74, with St Helens finishing third and second in the respective years.[98] [99] This could be a possible reason for Jim Challinor's replacement with Eric Ashton as head coach. In Ashton's first season in charge, St Helens won the Championship,[100] and contested the inaugural Premiership Final, losing 26–11 to Leeds.[101] They repeated their first Challenge Cup success of the 1970s three years after the first against Widnes in 1976 where they were victorious by 20–5 in the famous 'Dads Army' final.[102] They also won the Premiership against Salford,[103] and the Floodlit Trophy against Dewsbury in a successful season.[104] In the same year, St Helens lost to Eastern Suburbs in an unofficial World Club Challenge Final by 25 points to 2.[105] The club won the Premiership in 1977,[106] but, on 13 December 1977, Saints lost 26–11 to Hull Kingston Rovers in the final of the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy.[107] In 1978 Leeds avenged their 1972 loss against St Helens, emerging winners by 14–12.[108] St Helens lost the Floodlit Trophy in the 1978–79 season, going down to Widnes.[109] The 1979–80 season was unsuccessful, with St Helens finishing mid—table.[110] Eric Ashton left the club after this disappointing year.

The 1980s, and early to mid-1990s

Former club player and Welsh international Kel Coslett took over as coach in June 1980.[111] However, his spell as coach was not nearly as successful as his spell as a player, and St Helens won nothing whilst under Coslett's command, finishing mid-table in both seasons.[112] [113] He held the post for two years before handing over to Billy Benyon.[114] Not in-keeping with several of his predecessors, Benyon did not enjoy any success in his first season as St Helens coach, losing the Lancashire Cup final of that year to Warrington.[115] Nothing was won in the 1983–84 season,[116] but Saints won back the Lancashire Cup, with a 26–18 win at Wigan in the 1984–85 season.[117] They also won the Premiership in the same season with a 36–16 victory over defending champions Hull Kingston Rovers at Elland Road in Leeds. The 1984–85 season saw the arrival (for one season only) of giant Australian international centre Mal Meninga who quickly became a crowd favourite at Knowsley Road.[118] In Benyon's last season as coach, 1985–86, nothing was won.[119]

The arrival of Alex Murphy as coach in 1986[120] produced some colourful displays from a team that was widely regarded as an entertaining team to watch, but seemed to be constant runners-up. This was illustrated by the defeat by Halifax in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley, 19–18, in 1987.[121] Success was achieved in 1988 when St Helens lifted their one and only John Player Trophy with a 15–14 victory over Leeds in January 1988, at Central Park, Wigan.[122] Neil Holding with the crucial, match-winning drop-goal. They, however, lost to Widnes in the Premiership Final at Old Trafford at the end of the season, further showing this team's ability to get to finals and not be able to compete on the best stage.[123] Nothing was achieved in the next two seasons,[124] [125] including a defeat in the 1989 Challenge Cup Final[126] and Murphy stood down as coach.

Murphy was succeeded by Mike McClennan in February 1990. In his first season, McClennan took St Helens to the 1991 Challenge Cup Final, where they were defeated by 13 points to 8 by Wigan.[127] They won the Lancashire Cup, in the 1991–92 season, beating Rochdale Hornets.[128] They also lost the Premiership Final that season, losing to Wigan.[129] In 1993 the club avenged their defeat by Wigan the season previous to win the Premiership,[130] in the same season that they won the Charity Shield,[131] and lost the Lancashire Cup final.[132] McClennan was head coach until December 1993, when Eric Hughes succeeded him as head coach in 1994. Under Hughes, St Helens only reached the one, Regal Trophy Final, where they lost to Wigan in 1996 by 25 to 16.[133] They finished fourth in both of Hughes' seasons in charge.[134] [135] The lack of trophies in the St Helens cabinet, after the club had suddenly become so accustomed to success, would need to change in the "new" brand Super League that formed in 1996; hence Hughes' departure in 1996 and replacement with Australian Shaun McRae.

Summer era

Following on from their most constant ambition for successes, first experienced really in the 1960s, Saints became one of the most successful side of the summer era. Since the inception of Super League in 1996, they have won the title on eight occasions, and have added seven Challenge Cups to their five previous successes. Indeed, they won the inaugural Super League, albeit by finishing top of the league before the play—off era. St Helens defeated Bradford 8–6 in the 1999 Super League Grand Final, their first Grand Final, with more than 50,000 people witnessing Chris Joynt lift the trophy at Old Trafford.[136] They also won the World Club Challenge in 2001 and 2007, beating Brisbane both times.[137] [138] In 2023 they then beat Penrith Panthers 13-12 in Australia to win it for a third time.

Late 1990s

The success of the Saints in Super League began under the leadership of Shaun McRae in 1996. During his tenure the club won one league title (1996),[139] a year in which he was named Super League's coach of the year, and enjoyed back—to—back successes over Bradford in the Challenge Cup (1996[140] and 1997[141]). St Helens lost consecutive Premiership finals to Wigan in 1996,[142] and 1997.[143] 1998 proved to be a trophyless year,[144] and Ellery Hanley succeeded McRae in 1999, after the Australian left for new Super League side Gateshead. Hanley led Saints to Grand Final success against Bradford in October of his first year in charge. Hanley was considered by many to be a polarising figure and after several acrimonious disagreements with the St Helens board of directors, he was sacked a month into the following season.[145] Ian Millward was appointed as Hanley's successor as head coach.

2000s

Millward's reign and a controversial sacking (2000–2005)

Under Millward, St Helens quickly became the most exciting team in the competition, playing expansive, attacking rugby. He saw them soundly beaten in the 2000 World Club Challenge, losing 44–6 to Melbourne,[146] but lead them to retaining their Super League title in 2000 beating Wigan 29–16.[147] They also won the Challenge Cup in 2001; 13–6 over Bradford,[148] with the final held at Twickenham Stadium for the first time,[149] and the 2001 World Club Challenge, earning a 20–18 win over the Broncos.[137] [150] Millward then lead Saints to the top of Super League VII, and to reclaim the Super League title in the 2002 Grand Final,[151] Sean Long snatching a last minute 19–18 win over the Bradford with a drop—goal.[152] They lost the 2002 Challenge Cup Final to Wigan at Murrayfield Stadium by 21 points to 12.[153] They were hammered in the 2003 World Club Challenge by Sydney by 38 points to 0.[154] In this season, they failed to win a trophy after being knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Leeds at the semi—final stage, and the Super League play—offs by Wigan at the same stage. In 2004 they beat arch—rivals Wigan 32–16 at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff in front of a capacity crowd of 73,734 people to win the Challenge Cup,[155] Long gaining his second of an eventual three Lance Todd Trophies.[156]

Millward's reign was not without controversy and his St Helens career ended controversially after he was suspended in May 2005.[157] He was sacked for gross misconduct a week later.[158] Daniel Anderson was appointed as coach, Millward was then made coach of archrivals Wigan.[159]

The Anderson era (2005–2008)

Daniel Anderson saw his new team become the first team to top the Super League and fail to reach Old Trafford in 2005.[160] [161] However,St Helens won the 2006 Challenge Cup Final at Twickenham Stadium, beating Huddersfield 42–12.[162] Scrum-half Sean Long was awarded the Lance Todd trophy for a record third time for his man—of—the—match performance during the final.

St Helens followed up their Challenge Cup win by claiming the League Leader's Shield,[163] before cementing their reputation as the team of the year by defeating Hull 26 points to 4 in the Super League Grand Final.[164] Once more St Helens confirmed their status as the outstanding team of the summer era. Additionally, Paul Wellens received the Man of Steel Award for the 2006 season.[165]

In December 2006 St Helens were awarded with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Team Award at the Annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year Ceremony. This accolade recognises the best team in any sport within the United Kingdom. At the same ceremony Daniel Anderson was given the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award – this was the first time a rugby league coach had won the award.[166]

After a slow start to the 2007 season, Saints added to their history by beating Brisbane 18–14 to win the 2007 World Club Challenge.

In July, they beat Super League rivals, Bradford,[167] to reach the first Challenge Cup final at the new Wembley Stadium.[168] Here, St Helens successfully defended their Challenge Cup by defeating Catalans Dragons 30–8 in the final on 25 August 2007.[169] They were beaten in the Grand Final that year by Leeds by 33 points to 6,[170] despite finishing at the top of the league ladder for the third successive season.[171] James Roby, however, became the second St Helens player, and home—grown talent in two years to win the Man of Steel Award.

Saints success in the Challenge Cup continued in 2008 with a victory at the new Wembley Stadium, this time defeating Hull F.C. 28–16.[172] Paul Wellens received the Lance Todd Trophy after sharing the award with team-mate Leon Pryce the year earlier.

They also achieved first place again in the 2008 Super League season—for the fourth year running[173] —winning the League Leaders Shield, and beat Leeds 38–10 for the right to go to Old Trafford to contest the Grand Final.[174] However, St Helens were once again defeated by Leeds in the Grand Final, by a margin of 24 to 16, on 4 October 2008.[175] James Graham, on a positive note, made it a hat—trick of ex—Blackbrook Royals to win the Man of Steel Award whilst playing for St Helens. This would be Anderson's last game in charge of the club, as he announced he was to return to Australia and the Parramatta Eels of the NRL. St Helens fans and players alike were saddened to see Anderson leave, after not only upholding the tradition of St Helens exciting brand of rugby, but giving them a defensive and disciplined edge that was never apparent under Ian Millward. His personality and relationship with the fans was an additional reason why St Helens fans were disgruntled in him leaving after four years in charge and why next boss Mick Potter faced a fair amount of criticism in his initial period as boss.

The Potter years (2009–2010)

Mick Potter was announced as the successor to Anderson, which received many plaudits from the St. Helens fans and the European game as a whole, as the year previous he had led the Catalans Dragons to a record—high third—placed finish in the league. On 9 August 2009, St Helens reached a record ninth consecutive Challenge Cup semi—final,[176] where they were beaten by 24 points to 14 by the Huddersfield Giants.[177] This prevented Saints from reaching the final at the new Wembley Stadium for a third successive time and from winning the cup for a fourth time running. This defeat naturally came as a shock to the St Helens faithful, after so often in the last 15 years seeing the team reach the pinnacle of this competition and go on to win the cup. It was from here that the criticism began, and questions were raised particularly of his tactics and his activity (or lack of) in the transfer market.

On 3 October 2009, Saints defeated fierce rivals the Wigan Warriors to book their place at a fourth consecutive Super League Grand Final,[178] only to lose out to the Leeds Rhinos in the final, 18–10, making the Leeds Rhinos the only team to win the Grand Final three times consecutively. A 20-year-old Kyle Eastmond scored all of Saints' points.[179] A trophyless year for the first time since 2003 was another catalyst to Potter's critics abusing and slating his appointment, with even rumours of rifts within the changing rooms.

2010s

2010 was the year that saw Potter surrender to his critics and leave St. Helens. Criticisms from club legends like Paul Sculthorpe and Sean Long regarding his personal skills with the fans,[180] as well as the continued fan rejection saw him let his contract run out and, initially, seek a job in the NRL,[181] [182] [183] but eventually, and perhaps surprisingly, join Bradford on a two—year contract.[184] Names like Royce Simmons,[185] Mal Meninga,[186] and assistant coach Kieron Purtill,[187] were linked with the job for 2011. Simmons was the chosen man for the job, as announced on 22 July 2010.[188] [189] The 2010 season would also see legendary hooker and captain Keiron Cunningham retire from the game after 17 years with his one and only club. However, Cunningham would not be leaving without leaving a lasting legacy on the club. A lifelike bronze statue of Cunningham was built and placed on display in the town, before being transported to the club's new stadium upon its construction in 2012.[190] [191] He would additionally take up a coaching role with the academy, as well as a strength and conditioning role with the first team. In light of these decisions, neither Cunningham nor Potter halted their personal and the St Helens team quest for success; shown by their tenth successive semi—final appearance in the Challenge Cup.[192] However, Saints failure to perform on the big stage was once more shown, going down in this semi—final by 32–28.[193] Defeating Huddersfield Giants in the qualifying semi—final in the 2010 play-off series by 42–22 not only saw Saints qualify for their fifth Grand Final in five years, but also saw the final ever game to be played at Knowsley Road. Fittingly, Cunningham snatched the final ever try at the famous old ground in typical fashion from dummy—half.[194] However, for the fourth year running, St Helens once more proved flops in the Grand Final. One of the finest finals of the Super League era was anticipated,[195] but the flamboyant Saints that the fans saw so rarely under Potter once more failed to materialise, and, in front of a near sell—out crowd of 71,526, they fell to a 22–10 loss to rivals Wigan.[196] It was not the romantic finish to the Saints careers of Potter, Cunningham or any of the departing members of the squad that many had hoped for, but nevertheless, a new era was just around the corner, as Simmons' reign began.

Beginning of a new era (2011–present)

Australian Royce Simmons took over from compatriot Mick Potter for the start of the 2011 season. As the club awaited completion of the new stadium, all home fixtures in 2011 were played at the Halton Stadium in Widnes, effectively meaning St Helens were forced to play an entire season of away fixtures. In addition, they suffered upheaval in terms of the playing squad; having already lost the influential Cunningham to retirement and other club legends like Sean Long, the start of the season was overshadowed by the news that Kyle Eastmond, who had been earmarked as Long's replacement, and inspirational leader James Graham were both looking to leave the club. A number of serious injuries to further key players such as Leon Pryce and Ade Gardner meant the team was facing an uphill battle on the field all season. However, despite all the problems faced, St Helens defied the odds to reach their 11th Challenge Cup semi-final in a row, and at the end of the season they qualified for their sixth consecutive Grand Final. However, for the fifth year in a row they were on the losing side, as the injury-plagued squad finally succumbed to Leeds. However, the 2011 season saw the emergence of a new crop of talent, with players such as Jonny Lomax and Lee Gaskell stepping up to fill the gaps left by senior players and earning rave reviews for their performances.

In 2012, the club moved into their new home at Langtree Park. However, the season started with a terrible run of results, which culminated in Royce Simmons being sacked in March. With assistant coach Kieron Purtill also leaving, the coaching reins were taken up by youth coach Mike Rush for the remainder of the 2012 season, with Keiron Cunningham acting as his assistant. Following St Helens's defeat by Wigan in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup, which ended a run of 11 consecutive semi-final appearances, it was announced that Nathan Brown would be taking over as head coach for 2013, with Rush moving back into his previous role.

At the end of the Super League XIX regular season, St Helens claimed the League Leaders' Shield and reached the 2014 Super League Grand Final against Wigan where they won the match 14–6 claiming their 13th premiership.[197]

In the Super League XXIII season, St Helens claimed the League Leader's Shield and Ben Barba who had joined the club that year won the Man of Steel award. St Helens were favourites to reach another grand final but were upset in the preliminary final by Warrington 18–13 at Langtree Park.[198]

During the Super League XXIV season, St Helens reached the Challenge Cup final against Warrington but lost the match 18–4 at Wembley Stadium.[199]

At the end of the Super League XXIV regular season, St Helens won the League Leader's Shield for a second consecutive year after finished 16 points clear of second placed Wigan.[200] St Helens would go on to reach the 2019 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford against Salford. St Helens won the match 23–6 securing their 14th championship.[201]

At the end of the 2020 season, St Helens finished second behind league leaders Wigan. After easily accounting for Catalans Dragons in the semi-final, St Helens played against Wigan in the 2020 Super League Grand Final. With only seconds remaining and with the scores locked at 4-4, St Helens scored a try after the siren through Jack Welsby to win back to back championships in the most dramatic of circumstances.[202]

On 17 July 2021, St. Helens won the Challenge Cup for the first time in 13 years beating Castleford in the final 26–12. St. Helens had trailed the match at half-time 12–6.[203] St Helens finished the 2021 Super League season in second place on the table.[204] They then went on to defeat Catalan Dragons 12–10 in a hotly-contested Grand Final, securing the club's first league and cup double since 2006 and an historic 'three-peat' - becoming only the second team in the summer era to win three consecutive championships.[205]

St Helens ended the 2022 regular season as League Leaders, thus earning them a bye to the semi-finals. They beat Salford 19-12, to reach their 4th consecutive Grand Final. They faced Leeds in the Grand Final, after Leeds beat Catalans in the eliminators, and Wigan in the semi-final. St Helens won the match 24–12, to win their fourth final in a row, and by doing so, they become the first team in Super League history to win four in a row.[206]

Before the start of the 2023 Super League season, St Helens travelled to Australia for the 2023 World Club Challenge. A week before the match, St Helens played one pre-season trial fixture against St. George Illawarra which St Helens won 30–18 at WIN Stadium.[207] In the week leading up to the World Club Challenge game against Penrith, many pundits, former players and coaches predicted St Helens would lose the match heavily with Phil Gould stating "Penrith should be allowed to declare at half-time". St Helens would go on to win the World Club Challenge game 13-12 in golden point extra-time to claim their third trophy in the competition. St Helens had led the match 12-0 until a late try by Penrith took the game into extra-time.[208] In the 2023 Super League season, St Helens finished third on the table equal on points with league leaders Wigan and the Catalans Dragons. In the elimination playoff, the club defeated Warrington which set up a match with Catalans at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. St Helens lead the match until the final minute when Catalans player Sam Tomkins scored a try underneath the posts to win the match for Catalans and end St Helens four-year dominance of the competition.[209] St Helens began the 2024 Super League season strongly winning six of their opening seven games. However, injuries in the middle of the season to key players saw results drop. On 26 July 2024, St Helens were defeated by Leigh 46-4 which meant the club had lost five matches in a row for the first time since the Super League era began.[210]

Academy

See main article: St Helens R.F.C. Academy.

The St Helens academy has produced some of the finest youngsters, potential stars and internationals the world of rugby league has seen. Although initially, players were signed either from other clubs, or would go straight into first team reckoning after being signed from their amateur club at a much later age than today's system; as the game became more widespread in the town, across the North—West and nationally, a system had to be introduced in order to suffice the amount of youth talent that the club homed. More early examples of players that made the grade following on form their stints in the academy and reserves (previously known as the "St Helens Colts") include Steve Prescott,[211] Paul Forber,[212] Gary Connolly,[213] and Chris Arkwright.[214] St Helens' traditional policy with youth was to make them better players for the club. Now, however, it can be argued that Saints look to make them internationals, with no less than five of the current St Helens squad's youth products having gone on to represent either Great Britain or England or both. St Helens youth policy does not operate solely in the borough boundaries of the town. Indeed, many of St Helens current and past squads call areas like Widnes, Wigan, Cumbria and Oldham home. St Helens have, also, branched even into rugby union territory and other wider national areas for youth players; most recently, Daniel Brotherton, a winger from Northampton, signed a professional contract with the club, and has made great strides in the under 18s after his signing from Northampton Demons.[215] [216]

Women's side

See main article: St Helens R.F.C. Women.

Rivalries

Wigan Warriors

See main article: St Helens R.F.C.–Wigan Warriors rivalry.

There is a strong rivalry between St Helens and Wigan; the local derby between the two clubs has been traditionally regarded as the biggest in British rugby league, as well as one of the oldest in world rugby league.[217] Both being founder members of the Northern Rugby Football Union, the derby has been played since 1895, making it amongst the most historical derbys in both British and global rugby league. Remarkably, the first encounter between the fierce rivals ended in a 0–0 draw at Knowsley Road, The games were traditionally played on Boxing Day, however were moved to Good Friday, during the busy Easter period in rugby league. More recently, the game was even played on Maundy Thursday in Super League. In all league encounters between the two since 1895, there have been 235 games, with Wigan having won nearly double the number of games that St Helens have. Saints winning 83, drawing 11 and losing 141.[218] All competitive games, i.e. cup and league games combined, show that in the 366 games played, St Helens have won 141, there have been 19 draws and Wigan have won 206. They too have contested no fewer than 6 Challenge Cup Finals,[71] [80] [126] [127] [153] [155] and have met in three Super League Grand Finals; St Helens winning 29–16 in 2000,[152] with Wigan initially gaining revenge in 2010, with a 22–10 win, before Saints claimed the 2014 Super League Grand Final by a score of 14–6, taking a 2–1 lead in their Super League Grand Final head-to-heads. Wigan and St Helens have also met in 4 Premiership Finals, Wigan winning 3, St Helens once,[129] [130] [142] [143] 3 Lancashire County Cup Finals, St Helens winning two, Wigan one,[128] [219] [220] and one Floodlit Trophy Final in 1968, Wigan winning 7–4.[221] The two have traditionally met each other in the Magic Weekend too. The two teams have a pretty even record, winning two (at Millennium Stadium in 2007 and 2008) and losing two (at Murrayfield in 2009 and Etihad Stadium in 2012), with one draw (at Millennium Stadium in 2011) in five ties.[222] [223] [224] [225] St Helens greatest winning margin and the highest game score between the two in competitive football was a 75–0 win in a 2005 Challenge Cup round 6 game.[226] Wigan's biggest win was a 65–12 win in Super League II, 1997.[227]

[228]

Bradford Bulls

Saints contested several finals in the modern game with Bradford Bulls, following up from their vast successes respectively in previous decades. When known as Bradford Northern, Bradford experienced their period of success largely in the 1940s, at a time when St Helens struggled to compete due to the commitments of World War II. In fact, it was only in the 1950s that St Helens won their first Challenge Cup and National League, and at this time, when St Helens were establishing themselves and improving in the 1950s, and 1960s, Bradford were disproving, and in fact folded in 1963. So the contest between the two can be doubted as a historical or traditional one. However, during the modern, Summer era, the game between the two gained prestige. The two contested consecutive Challenge Cup finals in 1996 and 1997,[229] [230] and later in 2001,[231] St Helens winning all three. In Super League Grand Finals, St Helens and Bradford met twice, in 1999 and 2002, St Helens again winning all encounters.[232] [233]

[234]

Leeds Rhinos

Leeds have arguably the strongest rivalry with St Helens, out of all the Yorkshire clubs that have a history with St Helens. They have contested the last three Super League finals, but the rugby they have produced in recent years is considered amongst the best in Super League. The derby is also sometimes considered a contest in terms of pride between the two counties. Leeds and St Helens have also a historical background, contesting the 1971–72 and 1977–78 Challenge Cup Finals, each team winning one each.[235] [236] However, the derby is often noted for its bad behaviour—on and off the field. Especially recently, with incidents like the Ryan Bailey "chicken wing" tackle on Maurie Fa'asavalu in 2008, the presence of James Graham when the two meet, as well as the numerous fights that have broken out between the two sets of players, the game is certainly regarded as a feisty one, as well as one that produces entertaining rugby. Such activities off the field and between games like fights between supporters, has led to some fans being discouraged from attending the fixture at Knowsley Road; shown by somewhat disappointing crowd figures, such as an example of 11,048 in 2010.[237]

[238]

Warrington Wolves

The other "big" North West club in Super League, Warrington, have also built up an anticipated derby contest with St Helens, particularly within Super League. As St Helens are unbeaten at Knowsley Road against the Wire since 1996, as well as boasting a generally impressive record against the Wolves in all meetings in Super League, the game is seen as an opportunity for Warrington to rectify their record against the Saints. In terms of cup and league final meetings; the two have met in two Lancashire Cup finals, St Helens winning once after a replay in 1967,[239] and one Premiership final, St Helens winning in 1977.[240] However, they remarkably have never met in Challenge Cup or Super League Finals. On 26 February 2011, Warrington Wolves beat St. Helens for the first time in 10 years ending the Saints Hoodoo over the club. The fixture was played at the Saints temporary home at Widnes. The Wolves also beat the Saints in the reverse fixture to do the league double for the first time in 17 years. In 2012 the Wolves beat St. Helens in the Grand Final elimination clash at Langtree Park to book the Warrington Wolves a place at the Grand Final.[241]

[242]

Associates

Junior rugby in St Helens

There is a massive junior and youth contingent of rugby league players in St Helens. Clubs such as Thatto Heath and Blackbrook Royals have produced many of the former and current superstars in St Helens' squads over the years, and continue to do so.[243] Clubs in the St Helens area also include Bold Miners, Portico Vine, Pilkington Recs, Haydock Warriors, Newton Storm, Eccleston Lions and Haresfinch Hawks which provide players for St Helens through the junior years and the scholarship schemes at the club, before eventually signing professionally at 16. But St Helens' youth roots do not stop in the St Helens area. Indeed, club legend Keiron Cunningham signed for the club from Wigan St Judes,[244] and Saints also look to clubs like Wigan St Patricks and Orrell St James in the Wigan area, and Halton Farnworth Hornets in the Widnes area for youth talent. However, a criticism of the St Helens scouting system is that they tend not to look at players beyond the junior ages (6–16 years old), and talented players who continue into amateur rugby tend to be signed very rarely.

Feeder clubs

Without having strict feeder sides, such as the system that exists in Australasia, St Helens have, in the last 20 years, particularly with the inception of the dual—registration scheme in 2009, built up partnerships with Co-operative Championship sides like Widnes and Leigh.[245] St Helens have also been known to loan fringe players to "less strong" Super League sides such as Salford and Crusaders and previously Widnes. St Helens have also forged links with the Canada Rugby League (CRL) and their team Toronto City Saints, who have adopted the popular piece of St Helens insignia in their crest.[246] Outside of rugby league, St Helens have forged partnerships with British Basketball League side Mersey Tigers,[247] and English Premier Ice Hockey League team Manchester Phoenix.[248]

Supporters

St Helens are one of the best supported teams in Super League, averaging 11,543 according to 2014 figures. Situated, prior to their recent move to Widnes, in Eccleston and Thatto Heath, a lot of support naturally derives from that area. Many strongholds of support also come from the Eastern side of the town; areas like Blackbrook, Haydock, and Parr. However, there exists considerable support towards Newton, Billinge and Ashton also. Their support is also not restricted to the town, with bases in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Northamptonshire, the South and North Wales.

The club also have their own supporters clubs, one for the club itself which has folded,[249] and one for fans in the South.[250] International, as well as national support is also strong with Saints. A recent survey showed fan bases in Australia, the United States, France, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, the Middle East, Chile and Greece. The club also have something of a fan base forming in the Far East, with fans from Singapore and Japan.[251] [252]

[253]

Super League crowd averages

width=100Yearwidth=100Average
199610,221[254]
19978,826[255]
19987,081[256]
19998,201[257]
20008,880[258]
20018,801[259]
20029,928[260]
20039,819[261]
20049,507[262]
200510,622[263]
200610,721[264]
20079,717[265]
200810,642[266]
200910,985[267]
201011,191[268]
20117,863[269]
201214,221[270]
201311,279[271]
201411,543[272]
201512,364
201610,711[273]
201710,749
201811,478[274]

Notable fans

Colours and badge

Colours

In their rugby football days and early years as a rugby league club, St Helens wore a vertically striped blue and white jersey with blue shorts and socks. In their initial period at Knowsley Road, St Helens wore a similar jersey, but the stripes were horizontal, and the colours were blue and grey. These colours however were dropped in favour of a more traditional to today, red and white design. The jersey had a single broad red horizontal band, on a white background, and was used until 1961.

In the 1961 Challenge Cup final against Wigan, the strip still seen today—the famous red V—was first utilised. In 1981, the club changed colours again, albeit temporarily, when Umbro designed and manufactured a French—style jersey of blue, with a white and red V. These colours were donned for two years, before the traditional colours were reverted to.

1985 saw the first jersey that was supported by a visible sponsor—St Helens Glass. Umbro were once again the designers of this varsity blue jersey with a royal blue vee—shaped chevron, a kit similar to the away kit of 2008. This was also the first jersey to feature the famous stickman of St Helens insignia. The 1985 New Zealand tour jersey was similar to the home shirt of 2009, sponsored also by Pilkington.

Between 1991 and 1994, a somewhat controversial and odd design of jersey was employed, where the chevron that St Helens had now adopted in place of the traditional V finished three—quarters of the way down the shirt. Umbro remained the club's kit suppliers until 1994, when Stag took over. Their jerseys were far more lightweight than what they had replaced, and they chose to revert to a more conventional fashion of red V in their designs. The kit used first by the club was reverted to during their centenary year in 1995.

In 1997, yet another change of design that was controversial with the fans, a kit that featured a white drop—down V with a black and red mesh design at the bottom of the jersey. This was Mizuno's first design, taking over from Stag. The traditional red V was once more reverted to, after the controversial design, with a more circular design used for the 1999 season. In 2000, a more regular V was seen again. In 2003, a triple—V design was seen, and the first to be used by long—serving kit designers Puma AG. 2004 saw a double curvy red V used, before, in 2005, yet again tradition was reverted to in the design and this design was used until 2009. The away strip used in 2005 was the famous blue strip with a dark blue V. 2009 saw the long red V of 1985's design appear again, before, in 2010, a casual thin red V was seen.

In 2010, the club used the first kit they played a rugby league game design as a commemorative strip, to celebrate their 110th and final year at the ground.[284] 2011 saw the Puma contract expire, and Australian manufacturing giants ISC take over the making of the jerseys.[285] This strip saw a somewhat shorter red vee, compared to the ventures of the design in 2009 and '10.[286]

Badge

The club's jerseys were initially adorned by the town's coat of arms. This was utilised until 1985. However, as Saints became a more national institution, they decided that a more recognisable badge needed to be adopted. The 1985 season therefore saw the famous stickman of St Helens first used. This was used as the main jersey emblem until 1991, when the St Helens sports club emblem, not dissimilar to the coat of arms used previously, was seen. This was used until 1996, when, with the implement of Super League into the British rugby league calendar, Saints chose to display a badge that featured an overlapping "S" and "H" in red, with the club's name around the border. This was used until 2010, when the club decided to unofficially rebrand to "Saints RL", to coincide with them leaving Knowsley Road, and going "on the road" to Widnes for a season. The new crest was in the shape of a shield, and featured the over lapping "S" and "H" that the previous logo featured, but also displayed a red vee within the design, and "Saints RL" in upper case lettering at the top of the shield. This new crest drew criticism from large sections of the St Helens faithful, who were afraid of the club losing its connection to the town to attract a wider fan base.[287]

Kit manufacturers and sponsors

Since 2015 St Helens' kit has been supplied by O'Neills.[288] Previous suppliers include Umbro (1986–94), Stag (1995–96), Mizuno Corporation (1997–99), Y2K (2000), Exito (2001–02), Puma (2003–10), and ISC (2011–14).

Their current main shirt sponsor is Home Bargains.[289] Previous main sponsors have included St Helens Glass (1986–87, 2000–01), McEwan's Lager (1987–98), John Smith's (1999), Caledonia (2002), Comodo (2003), All Sports (2004–05), Earth money (2006–07), Pilkington Activ (2008–09), Frontline (2010), Medicash (2011), Typhoo (2012 - 2016), RCMA Group (2017), and Cash Converters[290] (2018 - 2021). St. Helens were also sponsored by Gillette[291] for a one-off appearance at the 2004 Dubai Rugby 7s invitational.[292]

See Below:

YearSponsorManufacturer
1986St Helens GlassUmbro
1987
1988McEwan's Lager
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995Stag
1996
1997Mizuno
1998
1999John Smith's
2000St Helens GlassY2K
2001Excito
2002Caledonia
2003ComodoPuma
2004All:Sports
2005
2006Earth Money
2007
2008Pilkington Activ
2009
2010Frontline
2011MedicashISC
2012Typhoo
2013
2014
2015O'Neills
2016
2017RCMA Group
2018Cash Converters
2019
2020
2021
2022Home Bargains
2023
2024

Mascots

During the Super League era, the participating teams have adopted mascots and nicknames usually in alliteration with the name of their home town. Initially, the St Helens mascots were Bernard and Bernadette, St Bernard dogs; depicting something of a married couple with their on-field humorous antics. However, in 2009, the mascots changed to Boots and Bernard; happy and angry masculine characters. Bernard doesn't appear as often as Boots, with Boots being a more child-friendly image for the club, while Bernard retains the 'seriousness' of the mascots role to the club.[293]

Stadiums

St Helens' former stadium was Knowsley Road, renamed in 2008 to the GPW Recruitment Stadium for sponsorship reasons. Prior to this, in particular when St Helens were playing simply rugby football, they shared the City Ground with St Helens Recs. They left this stadium in 1890 for Knowsley Road and played there for 120 years. The ground at the time of its construction was considered modern, with one seated stand, and three standing areas that could, prior to strict safety regulations set in place, hold up to 40,000 people, shown by their record home crowd of 35,695 against Wigan in 1949. In their first match at the new ground, St Helens beat Manchester Rangers, played under rugby football rules. After the great schism of 1895, and St Helens joining the NRFU, their first game at Knowsley Road under traditional rugby league rules was against Rochdale, in front of 3,000 spectators. Over the years, however, age took its toll on the ground. Despite the big names like Meninga, van Vollenhoven, Lyon etc. coming to the club, it was constantly argued that, unlike other big clubs, St Helens did not have the stadium to suit their on—field talent. In 2006, the ground was treated to something of a makeover, after financial input from St Helens big money sponsors Earth Money. This aided the ground in gaining international rugby, with a fixture between Great Britain and New Zealand being held there in 2006. However, in 2008, St Helens were given a warning letter from the RFL, as a result of the ensuing licensing system that was to be introduced into Super League in 2009, stating that the quality of their current stadium was too poor for the expected quality of a licence in the league.[294] Thankfully for Saints, they were permitted by the council to begin construction on a new ground, and confirmed that they would move away from Knowsley Road in 2011.[295] It was announced that the new complex, to be built on an unused glass site in Peasley Cross, was to feature at least 12,000 seats, a large car park, and a Tesco store next to the ground. In addition to this, an iconic bridge, directly linking the ground to the town centre went under construction on 9 August 2010.[296] Whether the stadium would be ready for the beginning of the 2011 season was always uncertain, and grounds such as Leigh Sports Village were suggested to home Saints for the period between. However, the Halton Stadium, Widnes was the chosen venue for Saints for the 2011 season, and they will play all of their home games there before permanently relocating in 2012.[297] Saints currently play at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

2024 transfers

Players In

Player From Contract Date
3 Years [298]
2 years[299]

Players Out

Player To Contract Date
3 Years[300]
2 Years[301]
1 Year[302]
Dan NormanRowspan=2 Leigh Leopards2 Years 13 October 2023[303]
1 Year[304]
1 Year[305]

Players Retired

Player Date
[306]
7 October 2023[307]
5 November 2023[308]

Players

See also: List of St Helens R.F.C. players.

Notable former players

For all St Helens players with a Wikipedia article see List of St Helens RLFC past players.For all players who have gained international caps whilst playing for the club see List of St Helens RLFC international players.

Best ever 17

Throughout 2010, a select panel of fans, journalists, former players and club officials voted for the best 17 players ever to have played for St Helens, to commemorate the club's 120th and final year at Knowsley Road.[309]

Players receiving testimonial matches

18 players have had benefit years or testimonials at St Helens, organised jointly by the club and the RFL. They honour ten years at the club, and the most recent player to receive one was fullback Paul Wellens for 2010.[310]

Coaches and Board

Technical staff

width=300Namewidth=300Job title
Paul WellensHead coach
Laurent FrayssinousAssistant head coach
Ian TalbotAssistant head coach
Matt DanielsHead of Strength and Conditioning
Adam DanielsAssistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
Nathan MillRehab & Monitoring Co-Ordinator
Adam RowlandAssistant physio
Derek TraynorASSE Manager & Under 19's Coach
Ian HarrisTraining Steward
Sam EvansFirst Team Kit Man
Neil KilshawPlayer Performance Manager
Paul JohnsonClub Chaplain
Derek Jones Masseur
Kel CoslettGameday Manager
Simon PerrittClub doctor
Steve LeonardRL Development Manager
Derek HardmanReserves Head Coach
Liam BostockReserves Assistant Coach
James RobyLeadership, Culture and Performance Coach
[311]

Boardroom staff

width=300Namewidth=300Job title
Eamonn McManusChairman
Mike RushChief Executive Officer
Paul SculthorpeBusiness Development Manager
Steve LawMerchandising Manager
Tom MaguireHead of Media & Content
Mark OnionHead of Marketing
Dave HutchinsonGeneral Manager
[312]

List of former head coaches

See main article: List of St Helens R.F.C. coaches.

Since the end of World War II, St Helens have seen 27 new bosses at the helm at Knowsley Road. Currently, the position is held by Paul Wellens

Seasons

See main article: List of St Helens R.F.C. seasons.

Honours

Leagues

Winners (17): 1931–32, 1952–53, 1958–59, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1974–75, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

League Leaders' Shield

Winners (9): 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2022

Premiership

Winners (4): 1975–76, 1976–77, 1984–85, 1992–93

Winners (9): 1929–30, 1931–32, 1952–53, 1959–60, 1964–65, 1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69

Winners (1): 1963–64

Cups

Winners (13): 1955–56, 1960–61, 1965–66, 1971–72, 1975–76, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2021

Winners (1): 1987–88

Winners (1): 1992–93

Winners (2): 1971–72, 1975–76

Winners (11): 1926–27, 1953–54, 1960–61, 1961–62, 1962–63, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1984–85, 1991–92

International

Winners (3): 2001, 2007, 2023

Records

See main article: List of St Helens R.F.C. statistics and records.

Player records

Match records

Season records

Career records

Team records

Points margins

Attendances

See also

Bibliography

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: St Helens RLFC club Records. Saints Heritage Society. 24 June 2009. 24 June 2009.
  2. Web site: St Helens RLFC Club Profile. superleague.co.uk. 15 July 2009. 14 July 2009. 21 September 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100921105101/http://www.superleague.co.uk/club.php?id=33498. dead.
  3. Web site: The Great Schism. RugbyFootballHistory.com. 20 August 1895. 24 December 2009.
  4. Web site: St Helens RLFC Club History. saintsrlfc.com. 29 August 1873. 14 July 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090722033905/http://www.saintsrlfc.com/clubinfo. 22 July 2009.
  5. Web site: St Helens First Match. Saints Heritage Society. 31 January 1874. 14 July 2009.
  6. Web site: Saints' first match in Northern Union. Saints Heritage Society. 7 July 1895. 12 July 2009.
  7. News: Challenge Cup Role of Honour. BBC. 26 August 2006. 11 July 2009.
  8. Web site: 1897 Challenge Cup Final. BBC. 26 August 1897. 11 July 2009.
  9. Book: Hoole, Les . The Rugby League Challenge Cup . Breedon Books Ltd . 8 August 1998 . . 1-85983-094-3 .
  10. Web site: 1897/1898 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1898. 1 August 2010.
  11. Web site: 1898/1899 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1899. 1 August 2010.
  12. Web site: 1899/1900 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1900. 1 August 2010.
  13. Web site: 1900/1901 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1901. 1 August 2010.
  14. Web site: 1901/1902 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1902. 1 August 2010.
  15. Web site: 1902/1903 Division 1 League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1903. 12 July 2009.
  16. Web site: 1903/1904 Division 2 League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1904. 12 July 2009.
  17. Web site: 1904/1905 Division 1 League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1905. 12 July 2009.
  18. Web site: 1905/1906 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1906. 12 July 2009.
  19. Web site: 1906/1907 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1907. 1 August 2010.
  20. Web site: 1907/1908 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1908. 1 August 2010.
  21. Web site: 1908/1909 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1909. 1 August 2010.
  22. Web site: 1909/1910 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1910. 1 August 2010.
  23. Web site: 1910/1911 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1911. 1 August 2010.
  24. Web site: 1911/1912 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1912. 1 August 2010.
  25. Web site: 1912/1913 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1913. 1 August 2010.
  26. Web site: 1913/1914 Emergency War League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1914. 2 August 2010.
  27. Web site: 1915/1916 Emergency War League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1916. 20 July 2009.
  28. Web site: 1916/1917 Emergency War League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1917. 20 July 2009.
  29. Web site: 1917/1918 Emergency War League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1917. 20 July 2009.
  30. Web site: 1914/1915 Emergency War League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1915. 2 August 2010.
  31. Web site: 1915 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 1 May 1915. 2 August 2010.
  32. Web site: 1918/1919 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1919. 2 August 2010.
  33. Web site: 1919/1920 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1920. 2 August 2010.
  34. Web site: 1920/1921 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1921. 2 August 2010.
  35. Web site: 1921/1922 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1922. 2 August 2010.
  36. Web site: 1922/1923 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1923. 2 August 2010.
  37. Web site: 1923/1924 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1924. 2 August 2010.
  38. Web site: 1924/1925 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1925. 2 August 2010.
  39. Web site: 1925/1926 Northern Football Union League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1926. 2 August 2010.
  40. Web site: 1926/1927 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 20 November 1927. 17 July 2009.
  41. Web site: 1928/1929 Lancashire Final. Saints Heritage Society. 20 November 1929. 3 August 2010.
  42. News: French Lessons. BBC. 24 April 2003. 24 April 2003. 16 February 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070216171501/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/ray_french/2949991.stm. dead.
  43. Web site: 1931/1932 National League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1932. 17 July 2009.
  44. Web site: 1931/1932 National League Final. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1931. 17 July 2009.
  45. Web site: 1930/1931 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1931. 17 July 2009.
  46. Web site: 1929/1930 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1930. 17 July 2009.
  47. Web site: 1933 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 19 November 1933. 3 August 2010.
  48. Web site: 1932/1933 National League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1933. 3 August 2010.
  49. Web site: History of Pilkington Recs RLFC. pilkingtonrecs.co.uk. 26 July 2010. 26 July 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20091210075408/http://pilkingtonrecs.co.uk/aboutus.aspx. 10 December 2009.
  50. Web site: 19241/1942 Emergency War League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1942. 17 July 2009.
  51. Web site: 1942/1943 Emergency War League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1943. 17 July 2009.
  52. Web site: 1943/1944 Emergency War League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1944. 17 July 2009.
  53. Web site: 1944/1945 Emergency War League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1945. 17 July 2009.
  54. Web site: 1945/46 National League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1946. 3 August 2010.
  55. Web site: 1946/47 National League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1947. 3 August 2010.
  56. Web site: 1947/48 National League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1948. 3 August 2010.
  57. Web site: 1948/49 National League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1949. 3 August 2010.
  58. Web site: 1949/50 National League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1950. 3 August 2010.
  59. Web site: 1950/51 National League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1951. 3 August 2010.
  60. Web site: 1951/52 National League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1952. 3 August 2010.
  61. Web site: Saints Coaching Register-see General Pages, then Coaches and Others. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 2009. 1 July 2009.
  62. Web site: 1953 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 25 April 1953. 11 August 2010.
  63. Web site: 1952–53 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 2009. 1 July 2009.
  64. Web site: 1956 Challenge Cup Final Commentary. Saints Heritage Society. 11 July 1956. 11 July 2009.
  65. Web site: Jim Sullivan Timeline. rugbyrelics.com. 11 July 2009. 11 July 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090719070020/http://www.rugbyrelics.com/SW/sports/rl/sullivan.htm. 19 July 2009.
  66. Web site: 1956–57 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 2009. 1 July 2009.
  67. Web site: 1958–59 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 2009. 1 July 2009.
  68. Web site: 1958–59 League Table . Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 2009. 1 July 2009.
  69. Web site: 1961 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 2009. 1 July 2009.
  70. Web site: 1959–60 Lancashire League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 2009. 1 July 2009.
  71. Web site: 1961 Challenge Cup Final . Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1961. 1 July 2009.
  72. Web site: 1962 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 11 November 1961. 6 August 2010.
  73. Web site: 1963 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 27 October 1962. 6 August 2010.
  74. Web site: 1964 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 26 October 1963. 6 August 2010.
  75. Web site: 1965 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 26 October 1964. 6 August 2010.
  76. Web site: 1964 Western Championship Final. Saints Heritage Society. 16 May 1964. 12 August 2010.
  77. Web site: 1964/65 Championship Final. Saints Heritage Society. 22 May 1965. 11 August 2010.
  78. Web site: Saints vs. 1965 New Zealand Tour . Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1961. 1 July 2009.
  79. Web site: 1966 League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 11 July 2009. 6 August 2010.
  80. Web site: 1966 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 1 July 1966. 1 July 2009.
  81. Web site: 1966 Floodlit Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 14 December 1965. 6 August 2010.
  82. Web site: 1967 Championship Final Replay. Saints Heritage Society. 10 May 1967. 15 July 2009.
  83. Web site: 1967 Championship Final. Saints Heritage Society. 6 May 1967. 15 July 2009.
  84. Web site: 1968 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 2 December 1968. 7 August 2010.
  85. Web site: 1969 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1968. 7 August 2010.
  86. Web site: 1968/69 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1969. 7 August 2010.
  87. Web site: 1969 Floodlit Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 17 December 1969. 7 August 2010.
  88. Web site: 1970 Championship Final. Saints Heritage Society. 16 May 1970. 7 August 2010.
  89. Web site: 1970/71 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1971. 7 August 2010.
  90. Web site: 1971 Championship Final. Saints Heritage Society. 16 May 1971. 7 August 2010.
  91. Web site: 1971 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 28 November 1970. 7 August 2010.
  92. Web site: 1971 Floodlit Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 13 December 1970. 7 August 2010.
  93. Web site: 1970/71 European Championship Final 1st Leg. Saints Heritage Society. 5 December 1970. 7 August 2010.
  94. Web site: 1970/71 European Championship Final 2nd Leg. Saints Heritage Society. 5 January 1971. 7 August 2010.
  95. Web site: 1972 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 26 August 1972. 11 July 2009.
  96. Web site: 1972 Floodlit Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 14 December 1971. 7 August 2010.
  97. Web site: 1972 Championship Final. Saints Heritage Society. 20 May 1972. 11 August 2010.
  98. Web site: 1972/73 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1973. 7 August 2010.
  99. Web site: 1973/74 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1974. 7 August 2010.
  100. Web site: 1974/75 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1975. 7 August 2010.
  101. Web site: 1975 Premiership Final. Saints Heritage Society. 17 May 1975. 7 August 2010.
  102. Web site: 1976 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 26 August 1976. 11 July 2009.
  103. Web site: 1976 Premiership Final. Saints Heritage Society. 22 May 1976. 7 August 2010.
  104. Web site: 1976 Floodlit Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 16 December 1975. 7 August 2010.
  105. Web site: 1976 World Club Challenge. Saints Heritage Society. 29 June 1976. 7 August 2010.
  106. Web site: 1977 Premiership Final. Saints Heritage Society. 28 May 1977. 7 August 2010.
  107. Web site: 1977 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 13 December 1977. 15 July 2009.
  108. Web site: 1978 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 26 August 1978. 11 July 2009.
  109. Web site: 1979 Floodlit Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 12 December 1978. 7 August 2010.
  110. Web site: 1979/80 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1980. 7 August 2010.
  111. Web site: Kel Coslett Bio. Saints Heritage Society. 15 July 2009. 15 July 2009.
  112. Web site: 1980/81 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1981. 7 August 2010.
  113. Web site: 1981/82 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1982. 7 August 2010.
  114. Web site: Billy Benyon Bio. Saints Heritage Society. 15 July 2009. 15 July 2009.
  115. Web site: 1983 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 23 December 1982. 8 August 2010.
  116. Web site: 1983/84 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1984. 8 August 2010.
  117. Web site: 1985 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 28 October 1984. 8 August 2010.
  118. Web site: 1985 Premiership Final. Saints Heritage Society. 11 May 1985. 15 July 2009.
  119. Web site: 1985/86 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1986. 8 August 2010.
  120. Web site: Alex Murphy Bio. Saints Heritage Society. 15 July 2009. 15 July 2009.
  121. Web site: 1987 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 2 May 1987. 15 July 2009.
  122. Web site: 1988 John Player Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 9 January 1988. 15 July 2009.
  123. Web site: 1988 Premiership Final. Saints Heritage Society. 15 May 1988. 15 July 2009.
  124. Web site: 1988/89 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1990. 8 August 2010.
  125. Web site: 1989/90 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1990. 8 August 2010.
  126. Web site: 1989 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 29 April 1989. 11 August 2010.
  127. Web site: 1991 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 27 April 1991. 7 July 2010.
  128. Web site: 1992 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 15 May 1991. 15 July 2009.
  129. Web site: 1992 Premiership Final. Saints Heritage Society. 17 May 1992. 8 August 2010.
  130. Web site: 1993 Premiership Final. Saints Heritage Society. 15 May 1993. 15 July 2009.
  131. Web site: 1993 Charity Shield. Saints Heritage Society. 23 August 1992. 8 August 2010.
  132. Web site: 1993 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 18 October 1992. 8 August 2010.
  133. Web site: 1996 Regal Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 13 January 1996. 8 August 2010.
  134. Web site: 1994/95 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1995. 8 August 2010.
  135. Web site: 1995/96 League Tables. Saints Heritage Society. 25 October 1996. 8 August 2010.
  136. Web site: 1999 Super League Grand Final. Saints Heritage Society. 9 October 1999. 16 July 2009.
  137. Web site: 2001 World Club Challenge. Saints Heritage Society. 26 January 2001. 16 July 2009.
  138. News: St Helens vs. Brisbane As It Happened. BBC. 23 February 2007. 11 July 2009. Phil. Harlow.
  139. Web site: 1996 Super League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 9 October 1999. 15 July 2009.
  140. Web site: 1996 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 27 April 1996. 15 July 2009.
  141. Web site: 1997 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 3 May 1996. 15 July 2009.
  142. Web site: 1996 Premiership Final. Saints Heritage Society. 8 September 1996. 12 August 2010.
  143. Web site: 1997 Premiership Final. Saints Heritage Society. 28 September 1997. 12 August 2010.
  144. Web site: 1998 Super League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 9 October 1998. 8 August 2010.
  145. News: Hanley Appointed Doncaster Coach. BBC. 14 December 2007. 14 December 2007.
  146. Web site: 2000 World Club Challenge. Saints Heritage Society. 24 January 2000. 20 July 2009.
  147. News: Super League IV Grand Final. BBC. 14 October 2000. 16 July 2009.
  148. Web site: 2001 Challenge Cup Final Final. Saints Heritage Society. 28 April 2001. 16 July 2009.
  149. News: RFL Remains Bullish on Twickenham. BBC. 8 March 2006. 16 July 2009.
  150. News: World Club Challenge Chris Joynt. BBC. 22 February 2007. 16 July 2009.
  151. Web site: Super League VII Table. Saints Heritage Society. 26 September 2002. 12 August 2010.
  152. Web site: 2002 Super League Grand Final. Saints Heritage Society. 19 October 2002. 16 July 2009.
  153. Web site: 2002 Challenge Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 27 April 2002. 11 August 2010.
  154. Web site: 2003 World Club Challenge. Saints Heritage Society. 14 February 2003. 20 July 2009.
  155. Web site: 2004 Challenge Cup Final Final. Saints Heritage Society. 15 May 2004. 16 July 2009.
  156. News: Lance Todd Trophy Winners. BBC. 26 August 2006. 16 July 2009.
  157. News: Millward Suspended For Swearing. BBC. 6 May 2005. 16 July 2009.
  158. News: Boss Millward Sacked By St Helens. BBC. 10 May 2005. 16 July 2009.
  159. News: Millward Appointed Coach of Wigan. BBC. 22 May 2005. 16 July 2009.
  160. Web site: 2005 Super League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 9 October 2005. 16 July 2009.
  161. Web site: 2005 Super League Play-offs Final Eliminator. Saints Heritage Society. 7 October 2005. 16 July 2009.
  162. News: St Helens 42–12 Huddersfield . BBC. 26 August 2006. 11 July 2009.
  163. Web site: 2006 Super League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 9 October 2006. 16 July 2009.
  164. News: St Helens 26–4 Hull FC. BBC. 6 October 2006. 8 July 2008.
  165. News: Wellens Wins Man of Steel Award. BBC. 9 August 2006. 16 July 2009.
  166. News: Sports Personality Winners 2006. BBC. 10 December 2006. 11 July 2009.
  167. Web site: 2007 Challenge Cup Semi-Final. Saints Heritage Society. 28 July 2007. 16 July 2009.
  168. News: Challenge Cup Returns To Wembley. BBC. 28 March 2007. 16 July 2009.
  169. News: St Helens vs. Catalans As It Happened FC. BBC. 25 August 2008. 11 July 2009. Rob. Hodgetts.
  170. News: St Helens 6–33 Leeds Rhinos. BBC. 13 October 2007. 8 July 2008. Elizabeth. Hudson.
  171. Web site: 2007 Super League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 9 October 2007. 16 July 2009.
  172. News: St Helens 28–16 Hull FC. BBC. 30 August 2008. 8 July 2008. Pranav. Soneji.
  173. Web site: 2008 Super League Table. Saints Heritage Society. 9 October 2008. 16 July 2009.
  174. Web site: 2008 Super League Play-offs Qualifying Final. Saints Heritage Society. 4 October 2008. 8 July 2008.
  175. News: St Helens 16–24 Leeds Rhinos. BBC. 4 October 2008. 8 July 2008. Sam. Lyon.
  176. News: Cup Venues Announced. skysports.com. 2 June 2009. 10 August 2009.
  177. Web site: St Helens vs. Huddersfield CC match report. saintsrlfc.com. 9 August 2009. 10 August 2009.
  178. Web site: St Helens vs. Wigan P-O match report. engagesuperleague.co.uk. 3 October 2009. 3 October 2009.
  179. News: St Helens 10–18 Leeds Rhinos. BBC. 10 October 2009. 21 October 2009.
  180. News: Long – Potter exit no shock. skysports.com. 12 May 2010. 12 July 2010.
  181. Web site: Change of scenery for Potter. superleague.co.uk. 4 May 2010. 15 June 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120120034707/http://superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=17560. 20 January 2012.
  182. Web site: Gidley empathises with Potter. superleague.co.uk. 5 May 2010. 15 June 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100507005947/http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=17573. 7 May 2010.
  183. Web site: Long not surprised by Potter exit. superleague.co.uk. 12 May 2010. 15 June 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120118171313/http://superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=17654. 18 January 2012.
  184. Web site: Potter lands Bradford Bulls job. superleague.co.uk. 16 July 2010. 16 July 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120120132833/http://superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=18413. 20 January 2012.
  185. News: Royce Simmons the surprising front-runner to take over at St Helens. guardian. 28 June 2010. 12 July 2010 . London . Andy . Wilson.
  186. News: Meninga 'would consider' Saints. skysports.com. 1 June 2010. 12 July 2010.
  187. News: Purtill waits on Saints job. skysports.com. 30 June 2010. 12 July 2010.
  188. Web site: Saints Appoint Royce Simmons. saintsrlfc.com. 22 July 2010. 22 July 2010.
  189. News: Simmons to coach Saints. skysports.com. 22 July 2010. 22 July 2010.
  190. Web site: Cunningham is Man of Bronze. sthelensnews.com. 4 June 2008. 8 July 2008.
  191. News: Cunningham Finds Permanent Place With His Saints. The Guardian Newspaper. 8 February 2008. 8 July 2008 . London . David . Lawrenson.
  192. Web site: Potter: Semi-final Continues Saints Success. saintsrlfc.com. 15 June 2010. 15 June 2010.
  193. Web site: Saints' Final Hopes Dashed By Rhinos. saintsrlfc.com. 7 August 2010. 7 August 2010.
  194. Web site: St Helens 42–22 Huddersfield Giants. saintsrlfc.com. 24 September 2010. 5 October 2010.
  195. News: Too close to call. Sky Sports. 1 October 2010. 5 October 2010.
  196. News: Warriors too good for Saints. Sky Sports. 2 October 2010. 5 October 2010.
  197. Web site: St Helens win Grand Final after Wigan's Ben Flower is sent off. The Guardian. 11 October 2014.
  198. News: Super League semi-final: Warrington beat St Helens 18–13 to reach Grand Final. BBC Sport. 4 October 2018.
  199. News: Warrington Wolves beat St Helens 18–4. BBC Sport. 24 August 2019.
  200. Web site: St Helens win 2019 Super League League Leaders' shield. Sky Sports.
  201. News: St Helens 23–6 Salford Red Devils: Super League Grand Final – as it happened. The Guardian. 12 October 2019. Unwin. Will.
  202. News: Super League Grand Final: Wigan 4-8 St Helens. BBC Sport .
  203. Web site: How St Helens players have celebrated their first Challenge Cup win in 13 years. www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk. 18 July 2021. 18 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210718102540/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/st-helens-celebrate-challenge-cup-21081897. dead.
  204. Web site: Barrie McDermott's 2021 Betfred Super League season review. www.skysports.com.
  205. News: Super League Grand Final: Catalans Dragons 10-12 St Helens: Saints win three in a row. BBC Sport .
  206. News: St Helens sink Leeds to win record fourth consecutive Grand Final. The Observer. 24 September 2022 . Bower . Aaron .
  207. Web site: St Helens win 'Battle of the Red V' against St George Illawarra Dragons. www.rugby-league.com.
  208. News: Penrith Panthers lick their wounds after World Club Challenge loss to St Helens. The Guardian. 18 February 2023 .
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  210. Web site: Eight-try Leigh pile misery on out-of-form Saints. www.bbc.co.uk. 30 July 2024.
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  215. Web site: Dan Brotherton signs for Saints – RL that is!. northamptonrl.co.uk. 25 August 2010. 3 November 2010.
  216. Web site: Saints Sign Daniel Brotherton. saintsrlfc.com. 23 August 2010. 3 November 2010.
  217. Web site: 1st St Helens vs. Wigan game. Saints Heritage Society. 16 November 1895. 12 July 2009.
  218. Web site: Saints vs. Wigan Head-to-Head Since 1895. saintsrlfc.com. 29 August 1895. 2 August 2009.
  219. Web site: 1953 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 24 October 1953. 31 July 2010.
  220. Web site: 1984 Lancashire Cup Final. Saints Heritage Society. 28 October 1984. 31 July 2010.
  221. Web site: 1968 Floodlit Trophy Final. Saints Heritage Society. 17 December 1968. 31 July 2010.
  222. Web site: 2007 Magic Weekend. superleague.co.uk. 5 May 2007. 20 February 2011.
  223. Web site: 2008 Magic Weekend. superleague.co.uk. 4 May 2008. 20 February 2011.
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  226. Web site: St Helens 75–0 Wigan. Saints Heritage Society. 26 June 2005. 31 July 2010.
  227. Web site: St Helens 12–65 Wigan. Saints Heritage Society. 26 May 1997. 31 July 2010.
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  229. Web site: St Helens 40 v 32 Bradford Bulls. saints.org.uk. 27 April 1996. 24 June 2010.
  230. Web site: St Helens 32 v 22 Bradford Bulls. saints.org.uk. 3 May 1997. 24 June 2010.
  231. Web site: St Helens 13 v 6 Bradford Bulls. saints.org.uk. 28 April 2001. 24 June 2010.
  232. Web site: St Helens 8 v 6 Bradford Bulls. saints.org.uk. 9 October 1999. 24 June 2010.
  233. Web site: St Helens 19 v 18 Bradford Bulls. saints.org.uk. 19 October 2002. 24 June 2010.
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  235. Web site: St Helens 16–13 Leeds. saints.org.uk. 13 May 1972. 24 June 2010.
  236. Web site: St Helens 12–14 Leeds. saints.org.uk. 13 May 1978. 24 June 2010.
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  239. Web site: St Helens 13–10 Warrington. Saints Heritage Society. 2 February 1967. 31 July 2010.
  240. Web site: St Helens 32–20 Warrington. Saints Heritage Society. 28 May 1977. 31 July 2010.
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  245. Web site: Emmitt: Dual System Is Giving Me Confidence. saintsrlfc.com. 12 May 2010. 31 July 2010.
  246. Web site: Toronto Becomes Second CRL Domestic Club. saintsrlfc.com. 3 September 2010. 6 October 2010.
  247. Web site: Saints Join Forces With Everton Tigers. saintsrlfc.com. 1 February 2010. 22 October 2010.
  248. Web site: Saints Team Up With Manchester Phoenix. saintsrlfc.com. 12 February 2010. 22 October 2010.
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  275. Web site: St Helens-born businessman lands top FA job. St Helens Star. 24 December 2010. 31 December 2010.
  276. Web site: Rob Broughton gets UFC career of to flying start. St Helens Star. 4 November 2010. 12 November 2010.
  277. Web site: Everton star Tim Cahill shoots commercial at Stobart Stadium. St Helens Star. 17 December 2009. 12 November 2010.
  278. Web site: Grand Slam Chizzy. St Helens Star. 12 November 2010. 12 November 2010.
  279. Web site: Ricky Hatton–The Voice of Hattons TV Advert. bbc.co.uk. 1 November 2010. 1 November 2010.
  280. Web site: Unbeaten St Helens boxer Craig Lyon joins Ricky Hatton stable. St Helens Star. 3 December 2009. 9 November 2010.
  281. Web site: Classy Murray overcomes sledging and spoiling tactics to win Commonwealth title. St Helens Star. 22 July 2010. 12 November 2010.
  282. Web site: A fame of two-halves for Ricky. Wales Online. 26 September 2005. 9 November 2010.
  283. News: Johnny Vegas turns out for Saints. bbc.co.uk. 3 February 2005. 1 November 2010.
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  286. Web site: Record Pre-Orders For New Home Shirt. saintsrlfc.com. 25 November 2010. 26 November 2010.
  287. Web site: There's no identity crisis say Saints. St Helens Star. 18 November 2010. 1 December 2010.
  288. Web site: Saints sign deal with O'Neill's Sportswear . 2022-12-11 . St Helens Star . 22 October 2014 . en.
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  297. News: Saints shifting to Widnes. skysports.com. 18 July 2010. 18 July 2010.
  298. News: St Helens sign Warrington hooker Clark from 2024 . BBC Sport .
  299. Web site: St Helens make third signing for 2024 in shape of Grand Finalist Matt Whitley from Catalans Dragons . 18 October 2023 .
  300. Web site: Pemberton returns to York Knights on three-year contract . 25 October 2023 .
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  302. News: Warrington sign St Helens centre Bruines for 2024 . BBC Sport . 7 October 2023.
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  306. Web site: Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook to retire at the end of the season . 20 September 2023 .
  307. Web site: James Roby: 'Heartbreaking' end brings St Helens rugby league great's career to a close . 7 October 2023. sky sports.
  308. Web site: Will Hopoate confirms immediate retirement as ex-St Helens man bows out of sport . 5 November 2023 .
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  313. Web site: St Helens 36–15 Carlisle. Saints Heritage Society. 5 May 1932. 12 August 2010.
  314. Web site: St Helens 48–5 Castleford. Saints Heritage Society. 3 March 1956. 15 August 2010.
  315. Web site: St Helens 56–5 Liverpool City. Saints Heritage Society. 20 August 1956. 15 August 2010.
  316. Web site: St Helens 52–5 Wakefield. Saints Heritage Society. 21 December 1957. 15 August 2010.
  317. Web site: St Helens 37–5 Blackpool. Saints Heritage Society. 23 April 1962. 15 August 2010.
  318. Web site: St Helens 58–5 Maryport. Saints Heritage Society. 1 September 1969. 15 August 2010.
  319. Web site: St Helens 64–2 Hull. Saints Heritage Society. 17 February 1988. 15 August 2010.
  320. Web site: Tom van Vollenhoven Profile. Saints Heritage Society. 15 August 2010. 15 August 2010.
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  322. Web site: Harry Pinner Profile. Saints Heritage Society. 15 August 2010. 15 August 2010.
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  324. Web site: St Helens 112–0 Carlisle. Saints Heritage Society. 14 September 1986. 15 August 2010.
  325. Web site: St Helens 6–78 Warrington. Saints Heritage Society. 12 April 1909. 15 August 2010.
  326. Web site: St Helens 15–8 Wigan. Saints Heritage Society. 26 December 1949. 15 August 2010.
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