FIFTEEN of the Saints that lined up to face Harlequins RL on Saturday afternoon have played for the Club’s Academy.
In an all British side, 12 toured Australia with the youth set up and 14 were products of the development system at the Saints.
Only Jon Wilkin – who played for the u18s on joining the club in 2002 – Michael Shenton and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook have come from outside of the Saints.
The side (Saints Academy products in bold).
1. Paul Wellens; 28. Tom Makinson, 3. Michael Shenton, 17. Gary Wheeler, 24. Tom Armstrong; 25. Lee Gaskell, 20. Jonny Lomax (pictured); 10. James Graham, 14. Scott Moore, 15. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 12. Jon Wilkin, 18. Matty Ashurst, 16. Paul Clough.
Subs: 19. Andrew Dixon, 26. Carl Forster, 27. Nathan Ashe, 29. Scott Hale.
Mike Rush, Saints Head of Youth, said: “Once again we continue to lead the way in identifying and producing quality players from our Youth System. I’d like to congratulate all who took to the field today and Carl Forster for making his debut.
“This success is not just down a handful of people – it’s the volunteers who give the club their valuable time, the coaching staff from the Service Area up to the first team and the players themselves.
“They are dedicated professionals and we thank them all.”
