Matty Lees named St.Helens captain

Matty Lees is proudly sponsored at the Saints by LWC Drinks.

Succeeding teammate and club stalwart Jonny Lomax, who has held the role with tremendous honour over the past two seasons, Lees will lead out the Red V with pride in 2026, his tenth campaign with the Club.

Matty Lees’ first match as captain will be his Testimonial Fixture at the BrewDog Stadium, with official match details to be confirmed very soon.

Lees now adds his name to an honoured list of St.Helens players who have served as captain, including former teammates Jonny Lomax and James Roby, as well as many legendary figures from our history.

A proud graduate of the world-renowned Saints Academy, the Rochdale native first joined St.Helens as a 16-year-old, progressing through our ranks to make his official debut against Wakefield in 2017 at just 18 years of age.

Lees quickly proved himself to be an exceptional prop forward, winning the Super League Young Player of the Year Award in 2019. Trophies continued to follow as Matty established himself as one of the very best in his position in world rugby league.

A key figure in St.Helens’ Super League title-winning years from 2019 to 2022, Lees has also earned three League Leaders’ Shields, the 2021 Challenge Cup, and the 2023 World Club Challenge, among other honours.

Beloved and highly regarded by his teammates for his industrious work rate and fearless attitude, the 27-year-old is also closing in on 200 appearances for the Club, having made 194 to date.

An established England international, Matty has 12 caps to his name so far, featuring in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, series victories over Tonga and Samoa, and most recently starting in the front row against Australia in the Ashes series.

Speaking about becoming St.Helens’ captain, Matty Lees told saintsrlfc.com: “It’s a really special moment for my family and me. It’s not something you really think about growing up as a kid playing rugby, but to be up there with the names who have captained this club – I feel really honoured.

“From my time in the First Team, Jonny Lomax and James Roby have been two of the greatest leaders and players I’ve ever been around. Being with them has given me so much experience and leadership knowledge, and I can’t think of two better captains to have learned from. If I can be half the people or players they have been, I’ll be made up.”

To also be given the blessing of Jonny Lomax to take on the mantle of captaincy meant the world to Lees.

“It was an emotional moment. Jonny’s a great friend and a great teammate, and what he has done for me personally has been huge. He has supported me through some dark times, potential career-ending injuries, and his support has helped make me stronger. People don’t see those moments, but they mean everything, so to have his backing now is truly special.”

Looking ahead to the new season and his Testimonial Year, our number ten shared his excitement and his desire to return to silverware success.

“It feels like a fresh start, we’ve had some big changes with a new Head Coach, and great players coming in from the NRL and other teams in Super League. I’m really looking forward to the new year, my Testimonial Year too, and we’re setting out to improve every single week.

“We want to push ourselves to be the best team in the competition again and compete for every trophy we possibly can.”

Head Coach Paul Rowley commented on the announcement, saying: “Firstly, I would like to recognise Jonny Lomax, a champion captain who has now passed the reins to another brilliant Saints man.

“For over a decade, Jonny has been an outstanding leader at this club, even before becoming captain. He has always displayed a team-first mentality and has demonstrated it once again by handing the captaincy to Matty Lees. Jonny will remain with the club to support and nurture his good friend into this next era.

“As for Matty Lees, I saw it on the players’ faces when the announcement was made internally – he is a true champion and a leader.

“From the outside, he had all the qualities you could want, and now, being part of the club, I’ve confirmed firsthand everything I believed about him. He is exactly the sort of person you want to follow on the field. I am confident he will lead by example through his actions, and that his presence and voice as captain will continue to grow in the coming years.”

Chairman Eamonn McManus spoke proudly of Lees being named captain, adding: “Many congratulations to Matty on being appointed as the captain of our great club, particularly as it’s his Testimonial Year.

“He will undoubtedly lead by example, and that is one exemplified by professionalism, dedication, and total commitment. We are fortunate to have such a natural leader who is now entering into the prime years of an already distinguished career.

“I would also like to put on record my thanks and appreciation to Jonny Lomax for his captaincy over the last two seasons. He personally could not have given more to the cause, and I know that he will continue to give his all for the team and for the club  – he is a true Saints legend.”