First Team Players

KNOWN locally as ‘Mr St Helens' Paul Wellens has been a stalwart of the full back position at Saints and in Rugby League since his debut in 1998.

Following his domination of the position in 2006 when he won the Man of Steel Award, Players' Player of the Year, Rugby League Writers' Player of the Year, Saints' Official Player of the Year and Saints' Supporters Player of the Year, in 2007 he became more productive scoring 24 tries in all competitions.

In 2008, he won the Lance Todd trophy for the second consecutive year for one of the most dominant full back displays ever to grace Wembley.

2009 saw a return of 16 tries as he became pivotal in Saints' attack and last season he clocked up 20.

In 2011, 14 tries were added to his tally and he surpassed not only 200 career four-pointers but also played in his 400th game for the club.

Paul is positionally one of the best in the business and can pop up where you least expect him to score vital tries. He also leads by example and positionally is the best in the business.

He will be captain for the historic 2012 campaign at Langtree Park.

Paul is sponsored by Safer St Helens.

You can follow Paul on Twitter: @pwello80

THE Cumbrian flyer joined Saints from Barrow Border Raiders in October 2001 and immediately demonstrated his pace and form as a great attacking option. He established himself as a first team regular in 2003, and made his 200th appearance in 2009.

Despite saying he had a "shocking" game against Brisbane in the World Club Challenge in 2007, he scored two tries that rocked the Aussie Champions and sent Saints on their way to victory.

He was the club's highest try scorer in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Super League seasons scoring an impressive 31 tries - making him the Super League's top try scorer in 2008.

His 2011 campaign had rave reviews until he suffered a serious Achilles tear that curtailed his season.

Since then he has worked very hard to regain full fitness and has spent all the close season in the gym.

He signed a two-year contract in 2011 that will see him through to end of season 2013.

Ade is sponsored by Ravenhead Services.

You can follow Ade on Twitter: @Gardsy24

THE Pontefract-born centre joined Saints from Castleford in 2010 after being a much sought after commodity.

He joined on a three-year contract and had the tough task of replacing the now retired Matt Gidley.

Shenton first played Super League in 2004 and established himself as a regular in the Castleford line up in 2005.

Since then, the 24-year-old has been one of the club's most consistent performers and that form has led him to be called up eight times for England.

Ideally suited to the centre position, ‘Shenny' can also play on the wing and this season has notched eight tries for the Tigers to add to his 19 last year.

Last season he played in 32 matches and scored 13 tries to add to his growing reputation as a complete centre.

Michael is sponsored by Baker Tilly.

SIA is a 98kg, 6ft 3" left centre who can play second row and is already an established New Zealand International.

He has made more than 90 appearances for the Roosters, crossing the whitewash on 20-plus occasions, before putting pen to paper on an extended contract for the Saints.

He made his debut at the beginning of the 2010 season before ankle ligaments ruled him out for six weeks. His return against Warrington Wolves in the second row was a success but he ruptured his patella tendon in training and was expected to miss the entire campaign.

However, Sia came back before the end of the season and was pivotal in the side's run to the 2010 Grand Final.

He proved to be an absolute monster in 2011 in both the centre and second row positions with his bone-crunching tackles the highlight of another run to the Grand Final.

And at 25 it's frightening that he can still get better.

Sia is sponsored by Pinehirst.

You can follow Sia on Twitter: @kidceezar

CAPPED 14 times by New Zealand and four times by Samoa Francis Meli has a true international pedigree.

Notching up an impressive 109 tries in 169 games to date, he has the pace and power to finish off any attack and is capable of utilising space to score points from all areas of the field.

Meli has the Australian play-off record of scoring five tries in a match, against Canterbury Bulldogs in 2003 and ended that season with an impressive 23 tries from 27 games, and was named New Zealand Warriors' Player of the Year.

Francis is clearly one of Saints ‘go to' players possessing speed, skill and strength - and that enables him to take the ball in with power - especially when clearing his lines.

After Visa issues curtailed the start of his 2009 campaign, Francis was one of Saints stand out performers in the latter half of the season.

In 2010 he had his best campaign to date, clocking up 26 tries in 25 appearances and last season his partnership with Jamie Foster was one of the most dangerous in the league.

He recently signed a new two-year deal with the club.

Francis is sponsored by The Original Saints Supporters Club.

WORLD Cup Winner Hohaia joined Saints on a four-year deal from 2012.

The 28-year-old played 29 times for the Kiwis and made 185 appearances for the New Zealand Warriors - a club which he made his debut for in 2002.

He stands at 175 cms tall and tips the scales at 86kg and is likely to partner Jonny Lomax in the half-backs this season.

At home at scrum half and full back, Lance is a true utility player whose speed and decision making will be vital for the club in 2012.

He is also a rock-solid defender and has a good kicking game.

Lance is sponsored by Barratt Homes.

You can follow Lance on Twitter: @LHohaia

2011 was a real breakout season for Jonny.

The scrum half, who can play in virtually any ‘back' position, broke into the first team squad following injuries and made his selection a foregone conclusion for the rest of the season.

His partnership with Lee Gaskell - dubbed #lomaskell - was debuted for the first team against Leeds in March and neither have looked back.

Lightning quick off the mark and possessing a great rugby league brain, Jonny's performances led him to be selected for the England Knights and then the full Elite train on squad.

Unfortunately, he missed out on the Four Nations with ankle ligament damage but an England debut will surely follow in 2012.

He made his debut against Wakefield at full back in 2009 and also appeared on the wing scoring two tries in eight competent performances.

2010 was even better, with 92 points in 16 games and he bagged nine tries in 2011 including a crucial score at the DW Stadium in the playoffs.

Lomax signed a four year contract in the close season and Saints will see the best of him in the future.

Jonny is sponsored by Burrows Electrical Supplies. They can be contacted on 07960 798 593.

You can follow Jonny on Twitter: @jonnylomax1990

AUSTRALIAN international and State of Origin prop forward Josh Perry joined Saints on a three-year contract from 2011.

The 30-year-old made 234 appearances in his career to date, playing for Newcastle Knights from 2000 to 2007 and was recently with Manly Sea Eagles.

The six foot 1, 114 kg forward made his NRL debut in 2000 for the Knights against New Zealand Warriors before spending seven successful years at the club. He then moved to Manly and has made 59 appearances for the Sea Eagles, adding five tries to the 15 he notched for the Knights.

His first season at the Saints was curtailed by injury but he made 12 appearances to show fans his potential. A hamstring problem eventually ended his campaign and he has been training hard to be ready for 2012.

Josh is available for sponsorship. Contact the Saints on 01744 455 050.

MAN of Steel in 2007, 'Robes' has learnt from great Keiron Cunningham to become of the World's best hookers.

Despite his diminutive stature he plays as if he is six inches taller and twenty kilograms heavier! His dummy runs lay the platform for the ‘go-forward' at the club and he has a great turn of pace.

He made his Saints debut in March 2004 aged 18 and his inexorable rise saw him represent Great Britain before his 21st birthday, an achievement made even more remarkable by the fact that he had a low-key junior record.

He was runner-up in the Young Player of the Year Award for Super League X as he established himself as Cunningham's deputy.

2007 saw Robes become the country's best impact player - a feat which continued throughout 2008 and the World Cup.

In 2009 rule changes around the ruck curtailed much of his fast off the mark play, but he still remained an integral part of the team - as proved in 2010 when he was one of the best hookers in the competition.

His stand out performances in the 2010 Four Nations campaign saw NRL clubs chasing his signature, but he opted to sign a four-year contract with his hometown club.

He took over from Cunningham in 2011 and became the Club's top metre maker and tackling machine as well as being able to play for 80 minutes - making him the best pound for pound player in Super League.

James is sponsored by Vinyline Graphics.

ENGLAND prop forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook joined Saints from Harlequins on a four-year contract from 2011.

He made his first team debut for Harlequins in 2005 and made close to 100 appearances before heading north.

Equally adept at leading from the front row and as an impact forward, he made more than 2100 metres for the Quins in 2010 and has a great off-load.

LMS made his debut against Wigan at the ‘Millennium Magic' event and established himself as a real crowd favourite... even though his ‘name is too long'.

He made his international debut for England against Wales in 2008.

Louie is sponsored by Hattons Solicitors.

You can follow Louie on Twitter: @LouieMS14

TONY Puletua joined Saints with a host of first grade experience and a big game performance to boot.

The massive strong running forward breaks defences with ease and has a tough, no nonsense tackling game that continue to be the envy of the rest of Super League.

He had an excellent 2009 scoring 14 tries - including four away at Castleford - proving to be a real crowd pleaser - and added 13 more in 2010.

Last season he notched another seven to bring his total to 34 in the Red Vee.

He can play either as prop or in the back row.

Tony is sponsored by St Helens College.

A REAL ambassador for Rugby League, Jon was signed from Hull KR in the summer of 2002 and has become an important part of the first team.

A great passer with quick feet, strong defence and vision, he has racked up 68 tries since his debut in 2003 and scored two tries in the 2006 Challenge Cup Final at Twickenham... with a broken nose.

Since then he has become a complete player - being able to combine defence with attack and a great kicking game too.

Last season he probably displayed his best form to date and was an integral part of the England Four Nations side and the one that faced the Exiles.

Although he doesn't like the term, Jon is media savvy, a great asset to the sport and will continue to be the face of Rugby League for the foreseeable future.

2012 is his Testimonial season and you can view information here.

Jon is sponsored by Hattons Travel.

You can follow Jon on Twitter: @JonWilkin2012

'FLANNO' signed in June 2007 on a three-and-a-half year contract from Sydney Roosters.

He is a utility back rower, who can also play stand-off and centre.

He made 121 appearances for the Roosters and played for Queensland on 10 occasions.

In 2008 Flanno stepped up to the plate and became an integral part of the Saints' line up. He appeared in the Challenge Cup Final, after scoring the first try in the semi final, and notched 10 tries during 27 apps.

In 2009, he was a defensive rock as Saints progressed in all competitions and he was equally as strong in 2010 - notching 11 tries before he signed a one-year contract extension with the club.

2011 was a mixed bag for Chris as a series of injuries meant a disrupted campaign. But he made 20 appearances and earned a year's contract for 2012.

Chris is sponsored by ABF The Soldiers' Charity.

SAINTS signed Australian international second rower/front rower Anthony Laffranchi on a two-year contract.

'Boof' is 31-years-old and has both State of Origin and international experience, having represented Australia in the last World Cup.

He is an Italian passport holder and therefore off quota.

He worked under Royce Simmons in the Wests Tigers' Grand Final winning side in 2005.

Laffranchi made his NRL debut in 2001 for West Tigers and remained there for six seasons before signing for the Titans.

He's played five times for Australia, four times for New South Wales and has made 204 appearances in the NRL, scoring 50 tries.

Anthony is sponsored by Joe Walsh Properties.

You can follow Anthony on Twitter: @LaFranchise11

23-year-old utility forward Flanagan joins Saints on a two-year deal for 2012 and 13.

He was formerly with Wigan Warriors and signed from Wests Tigers in Sydney.

Oldham-born Flanagan played for Wigan from 2007 to 2009 before making his NRL debut for Wests in March 2010 against Manly.

He made 27 appearances in the NRL.

Mark is sponsored by Curtain Wizard Northwest.

You can follow Mark on Twitter: @Mark_Flash_Flan

COULD the past couple few seasons be any better for the former Blackbrook amateur? Not only has he broken into the first team but he also scored at Wembley and won a bootload of medals.

Aged 16 he was named Saints under-18 Player of the Year in a squad that reached the Grand Final.

His other highlight of that season was going with the St Helens under-16 side on the tour of Australia were they won their three games on tour including a win against the highly-rated Penrith Panthers side that weeks earlier had beaten the New Zealand under-16's.

The back-rower made his Super League debut in July 2005 against Hull and his safe, strong running style and no nonsense tackling have made him a regular starter ever since.

2008 proved to be another successful year for Cloughie - scoring a hat trick at the Halliwell Jones Stadium against Warrington and picking up another Challenge Cup Winners Medal to boot.

In 2009 season he was the only ‘ever-present' in the team and he was one of the hubs of the pack in 2010.

Like a number of players, his 2011 season was cut short by injury - a neck problem sustained in the win at Leeds. He spent the best part of 15 weeks on the sidelines, and then turned his ankle on his return.

Paul is sponsored by Arriva.

You can follow Paul on Twitter: @Paul_klaus

GARY is a good footballer and who you would categorise as a classic number 6. He's quick, has a good brain and it's fair to say big things are expected of him over the next few years.

Signed from Blackbrook he represented England at under 15s and 16s and toured with the winning Saints Academy side to Australia in 2006.

He deputised in the backs as injury took hold and proved to be one of the most versatile members in the squad playing centre and wing.

But various injuries caused his 2010 and 2011 campaign to be interrupted.

Gary is sponsored by Roy Williams Electrical.

You can follow Gary on Twitter: @g4wheeler6

SHAUN is a back row forward who signed from Blackbrook.

2009 was a frustrating year for the youngster as he sat on the sidelines with knee injuries whilst his peers made Super League debuts.

But he got his chance in 2010, making his debut at Hull FC before scoring two tries at Wakefield in a competent display.

He increased that in 2011, appearing 19 times for the club proving to be a real impact off the bench.

Magennis is a classic strong-running forward, with a great off-load and a fearsome tackling style.

Shaun is sponsored by Ad Profile.

ANDY has established himself in Super League with 47 appearances at loose forward and second row.

He scored Saints' first try in the 2010 Grand Final and continued to improve in 2011 under the stewardship of Royce Simmons.

The forward has great footwork and a classic fend at the line as well as a no nonsense approach to defence.

Andy is sponsored by A & J Bennett Tarpaulins

You can follow Andy on Twitter: @andrewdixon0

LEE is a classic rangy number six who uses his pace at the line to find gaps and put players in.

He made his debut against Catalan Dragons in 2010 but 2011 was when the youngster came of age.

Partnering with Jonny Lomax away at Leeds, the pair upset the odds as they led an injury ravaged Saints to victory.

Lee is sponsored by Geoff and Phil Manley.

At 20-years-old Gaskell will continue to get better and better.

TOMMY is a winger who took Super League by storm in 2011.

He made his debut against Salford in February but it was when Ade Gardner got injured that the youngster came into his own.

He played 22 matches for the club and scored 12 tries as well as kicking six goals.

Tom is sponsored by Ad Profile.

You can follow Tom on Twitter: @TommyMak21

JAMIE is a goal-kicking machine who dominated the points scoring for the club in 2011.

In 32 matches he bagged 402 points which included 25 tries as his partnership with Francis Meli blossomed.

Foster worked hard at the beginning of the season to improve his defence and will continue to work on all facets of his game as the new season approaches.

He is also part of the England Knights set up.

Jamie is sponsored by Impact Cleaning. You can contact them on 01257 252 412.

You can follow Jamie on Twitter: @jamiefoster22

SCOTT is a prop forward who made his debut against Huddersfield Giants in 2011.

He is an edge runner who runs good lines and works hard in both defense and attack.

Scott is available for sponsorship. Contact the Saints on 01744 455 050.

You can follow Scott on Twitter: @scotthale29

HAILING from New Zealand, Nathan is a full back who can also play at standoff.

He made his debut for the club in the draw at Hull FC last season and went on to add another four appearances.

He's deceptively quick and strong for his size and showed that with a speedy break in that game and a try in the Challenge Cup win over Featherstone.

Nathan is available for sponsorship. Contact the Saints on 01744 455 050.

SIGNING from Pilkington Recs, Carl is a second rower/prop forward who had a glittering Academy career.

He was promoted to the first team squad in 2011 but a shoulder injury meant he couldn't make his debut until September.

He played in the all English side that beat Harlequins on September 10.

Carl is available for sponsorship. Contact the Saints on 01744 455 050.

You can follow Carl on Twitter: @cforster26

JOSH is from Chorley and joined the club when he was 13 from Blackbrook but previously played for Leyland Warriors and Chorley Panthers.

He was England 15 and 16s captain and toured Australia with Saints Academy in 2009.

He can play centre, wing, stand off and in the back row.

Josh is sponsored by Joe Walsh Properties.

You can follow Josh on Twitter: @Jdjones26

DANNY is a prop/second rower from Blackbrook who started his amateur career at Haydock Warriors.

He was a Saints scholar for four years, attended all Regional Camps and represented England at under 15s level.

Danny is available for sponsorship. Contact the Saints on 01744 455 050.

JOE signed from Saddleworth Rangers and is a prop forward.

He trained with the first team squad in 2011 and was ‘18th' man on a number of occasions.

Joe is sponsored by St Helens Chamber.

ANTHONY is a prop who signed from Blackbrook Royals.

A former swimming champion, he has great strength and has proven that in both the Under 20s and Under 18s set ups.

Anthony is available for sponsorship. Contact the Saints on 01744 455 050.

You can follow Anthony on Twitter: @Ant_Walker

JORDAN signed from Bold Miners and is a prop forward.

Jordan is sponsored by Inspire Risk Management.