The Saints' 20-year-old forward talks Pre-Season, reflects on 2024, and his ambitions for the new year.
Our former Academy captain became a Saints First Teamer for the first time at the end of 2023, and whilst he was riding the high of leading our Under 18s to an Academy title, he sadly suffered a fractured kneecap in the Grand Final.
Determined to not let that injury define his campaign, Leon Cowen worked hard on his rehab and knew to take any and all opportunities to play rugby league through our Club once he was back to full fitness. He went out on dual-registration to Swinton Lions and played seven times for our Reserves – all to notch up more match minutes and continue his progression.
“Overall 2024 was good for me personally, there were ups and downs especially at the beginning because I was playing a bit of catch-up with the injury,” Cowen told saintrlfc.com.
“Fast forward and to say I’ve now played eleven games in the Championship, I’d have been over the moon if you had told me I’d do that twelve months ago.
“Then to top it off, Reserve Champions. It was definitely nice, it felt like we were defending it from winning Academy Championship the year before and plenty of familiar faces in both camps. We know how important both teams are to Saints, and I know we’ll be looking to retain the Reserves title in 2025.”
Dual-registration is a great way for young players to experience a level up from Academy or Reserves, and Swinton Lions in 2024 sung the praises of Leon’s efforts when he took to the field for them.
“For me the main thing is when I’ve been out on dual-reg it’s that I’m representing St.Helens and what we are about. One of the best parts of the Championship is that there are no easy games, no easy weeks and every week is a challenge. For me at this stage of my career, I want to be playing rugby and coming off the field after doing it feels rewarding.”
Like any young Saint, Cowen has a firmly fixed goal in his mind: make his senior debut. Four of the players he has been alongside in both the Under 18s and Reserves ranks did that this year. 2025, Leon knows it’s going to be tough but it’s making him hungrier for it.
“I want to make my Super League debut, I know that’s obvious but I missed out on that last year. I know it is no easy task to get into this Saints team, it never will be, and with how good our squad and the new lads coming in from Academy and Australia it’s probably going to be even harder.
“But I am backing myself to do it, to get that debut. I’ll give all I can to get there, and in the meantime, if it’s dual-reg or loan, I’ll be going against men and keep developing my game – that will be brilliant for me.”
Heading into 2025, Cowen is one of our younger group of men who are pushing to make their mark in the famous Red V. With a blend of experienced top talent, and plenty of young guns pushing and clawing for their shirts, it’s made for a highly enjoyable environment, as Leon explains.
“Honestly, I think it’s brilliant because it’s competitive throughout the squad. The whole environment just feels more competitive. There’s people in the same position as you, same age as you, and it’s bringing the best out of everyone in training.
“With the coaches as well, it’s been a breath of fresh air and they’re offering new things too. I got a glimpse of what Freddie [Eamon O’Carroll] is like when I played Bradford away last year. I know how passionate he is about defence, Bradford were no pushovers last year I’ll tell you that! It’s exciting.”
Detailing further how collaborative the entire squad is being to work with one another, Leon was asked which one senior player had been perhaps a mentor to him this Pre-Season.
“There’s not just one person in particular, because all the lads are as equally helpful as each other. Al [Alex Walmsley] this year, he’s been training with us all Pre-Season right from the very start and I think he’s been really good for us young middles. I always try to talk Leesy [Matty Lees] and Morgs [Morgan Knowles], but they’ve only just come back in after England. I couldn’t put it on one person, all the lads are just as helpful as I said before.
“We only had a week or so with the international boys, and it’s been exciting before and even more so when everyone was in. It’s made me and I’m sure everyone else look forward to work in the new year.”
Once the smoke clears from the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day fireworks, the countdown will firmly be on for the Saints first hit-out of the year. Saturday, 25th January, when we will welcome Salford Red Devils to the Totally Wicked Stadium for Morgan Knowles’ Testimonial Match.
After missing out last year’s friendly, he really wants to play in this upcoming game.
“Being sat out watching it, at the time really hurt me to be fair because I saw all the lads I played Academy with playing and it felt unfair. It happens in the game sometimes, but I’m aiming to feature in that game, I’ve already got my hand up asking.”
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