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The 29-year-old says their progression from Reserve and Academy players to Super League is something he expected after training with them for the past year.

 

“I have to admit I agree that at the beginning of the season our squad looked a little thin,” he said. “But the likes of Andrew Dixon, Matty Ashurst, Gary Wheeler and alike have come in and done well at this level.

 

“It makes our squad very strong and there is a lot of competition for places.

 

“We have been training with these players week in week out for a year or more. You see then what potential they have and how they benefit from training with us.”

 

Paul says it is natural for the more experienced players to pass on their knowledge, but that camaraderie at the club is good anyway.

 

“When the lads come in they see that everyone has the same high standards and expectations. They players very rarely need any guidance.

 

“I benefitted from that when I came into the side 10 years ago. I was lucky because I came into a team that was playing well and to be honest that winning ethic has not changed since I have been here.

 

“And because of that there is no reason why these lads can’t come in and establish themselves.”

 

Wellens has made 341 apps for the club and says one of the things he found difficult at first was learning to find a voice within the team.

 

“That’s one of the things you notice at first – the younger lads are quiet. A big thing in their development is finding their voice, being confident and being able to shout on the field.

 

“That was something I had a problem with at first. I had to be a different person on the field than off. But it is something they will gain over the next few months. In either case though, there is a hell of a lot of mickey taking so if you have too much to say, you get shouted down pretty quickly! Even the more experience players get that too.

 

“To have confidence in your ability and being able to back yourself is massive. With that comes experience and then that makes you a better player.”