Saints Down Under: Premiere Night – The Reaction

Firstly, the Club would like to again say a big thank you to Cineworld St Helens for expertly hosting our event! It was a truly special night made even more so by our local cinema being so welcoming, and allowing the documentary to be seen by our players, staff and sponsors on the big screen!

Thank you so much for joining us! It was our pleasure and we were honoured to be part of this 🤩

— Cineworld (@cineworld) January 10, 2024

Ahead of the attendees arriving, Chris Hall from ITV Granada was joined by Lewis Dodd to discuss how big a moment his dramatic drop goal was, and his excitement to see it back in Cineworld.

BBC Radio Merseyside’s rugby league commentator Phil Kinsella thoroughly enjoyed the production and said the following in his five star review:

“A gripping chronicle told from the inside of St Helens greatest achievement in their 150 year history, a superb documentary which is a must see for every Saints fan.”

Phil also spoke to Head Coach Paul Wellens following the premiere for a piece that was broadcast on the radio station the following day. LISTEN to the boss by clicking here.

Martyn Sadler, Editor of the League Express, shared his thoughts on the premiere night of Saints Down Under: History Makers on the latest edition of the League Express podcast.

In his thoughts of the feature, Sadler gave it five stars saying: “I thoroughly enjoyed the film and it made me regret not being in Australia to see the matches live”.

Rugby League Live’s Matthew Shaw got to watch the Saints TV exclusive feature and said this in a brief five star review: “Essential viewing for rugby league fans of all clubs.”

Over at St Helens for tonight’s premiere of History Makers. It’s based on last year’s World Club Challenge victory which, for my money, is one of the greatest results in British rugby league history. pic.twitter.com/Gh08Oa2mNd

— Matthew Shaw (@M_Shaw1) January 9, 2024

Dave Craven of the Daily Mirror spoke to Alex Walmsley immediately after the credits rolled and spoke to the Saints’ star prop about the season ahead.

Exclusive: Spoke with @engywalmsley at Saints Down Under: History Makers premiere about the documentary, that glorious night against Penrith, rule changes after his knee injury, why he’s fitter than ever going into 2024 + embracing @Saints1890 challenge.https://t.co/DBs2yPCDPC

— Dave Craven (@DCravenRL) January 11, 2024

In a review Craven sent to the Club, he said: “A cracking insight into one of the finest feats in St Helens’ 150 year history which will have Saints fans and all rugby league supporters hooked.”

Ross Heppenstall, freelance rugby league journalist spoke to both Jack Welsby & Paul Wellens on Tuesday night following the big screen debut for our new Saints Studios production.

📺 “There was a bit of a siege mentality in that not many people gave us a chance over there. I think that pulled the group closer together and we went over there with total belief.”

Read more about St Helens’ new 90-minute documentary ⬇️#RugbyLeague https://t.co/1J8ij4frWo

— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) January 11, 2024

Heppenstall wrote to the Saints about Saints Down Under: History Makers stating: “A fascinating insight into the winning mentality and drive which carried St Helens to arguably the greatest victory in their illustrious history.”

Local journalist and Saints reporter for our local newspaper the St Helens Star, Mike Critchley spoke to James Roby, Paul Wellens and Lewis Dodd after wathcing the film himself.

You can read Mike’s review here.

Independent fan media channel RedVee gave their immediate reaction right outside the cinema screen and in front of the Club’s bespoke film posters for the event; “Truly outstanding, exceptional masterpiece.”

You can watch the full thoughts on the video below.

So the reviews have been positive and Saints supporters don’t have long to wait now until Saints Down Under: History Makers will be available to watch on Saints TV from Thursday, 18th January 2024 at 8pm!

This special documentary film will be exclusive to Saints TV subscribers. Subscribers also get every full match replay of our First Team, Women’s, Reserves, Academy and Scholarship matches, plus exclusive interviews, behind the scenes videos and much more!