Ahead of the opening game of the 2026 Saints Academy Tour, proudly sponsored by ASW Solicitors, our youngsters have been around some high-performance environments to see how they operate.
Our Academy staff on tour met members of the Penrith Panthers pathway staff and enjoyed great conversations and exchanged ideas about their processes and how things work behind the scenes. It was a terrific opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and gain insight into the work that goes into supporting players and running their youth development programme.
The Saints Academy playing squad then joined for a full tour of the facilities, facilitated by Joe McNicholas, Pathways Performance Coordinator. Experiencing the environment first-hand gave our players a real sense of the standards and preparation involved at this level, with plenty to take away and reflect on.
The group also had the opportunity to hear from the Panthers’ CEO Matt Cameron, adding another valuable perspective to the visit.
St.Helens R.F.C. would like to say a big thank you to Joe, Matt and everyone at the Panthers for taking the time to welcome us, show us around and share their knowledge so generously.
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From Penrith, our tourists then made the trip over to Manly for a change of scenery and a chance to sharpen their skills on Manly Beach. With sand underfoot and the ocean as the backdrop, it was a great setting to get moving and enjoy some time together.
Over the next two days, the Saints Academy tour continued to visit some incredible locations, including the breathtaking Blue Mountains after a training session. West of Sydney, the mountain range provides some absolutely stunning scenery and views.
A hike through nature led to some hidden freshwater swimming in crystal-clear water, surrounded by towering rock faces and beautiful scenery. An idyllic spot for some recovery, and the chance to experience the Australian outdoors at its very best.
The exploration and training certainly led to some hungry young men, so a team feed was earned at Outback Steakhouse.
Ahead of the first match of the tour against Balmain Tigers, it was time for the Captain’s Run, but not just anywhere… it was an incredible opportunity for our Saints to train at the New South Wales Rugby League Training Complex – the home of the NSW Blues State of Origin setup. The same facility used by the Saints First Team in the week of the 2023 World Club Challenge, and one of the premier facilities in world rugby league.
It was a truly special occasion for all involved. Our youngsters took to the training field for their final session for game time.
Following the Cap’s Run, our Academy team went across to the Wests Tigers Centre of Excellence, a terrific, first-class facility, to complete their recovery work and ensure they feel fresh and ready to go against Balmain.
