With new faces, new players, and a new Head Coach, a fresh chapter is underway at St.Helens, and Curtis Sironen is refreshed and ready to attack the 2026 season!
Speaking after another long, tough day on the field, in the gym and around the rest of our First Team playing squad, ‘Siro’ speaks overwhelmingly positively about the pre-season so far.
With change comes opportunity, and the towering back-rower tells saintsrlfc.com he’s relishing showing his new coach what he can do.
“It’s been a big change from the last few years, not only with the new staff and new players, but we’ve got a different daily schedule too, which has been really good.
“Everyone’s had to prove themselves again, the boys are training hard, and a lot of the young lads have really impressed. It feels like a fresh start.”
It was officially confirmed at the start of December that the Saints would have a new captain from 2026, with Matty Lees taking the role on after Jonny Lomax announced the news to the team at an internal meeting. Curtis shared his thoughts on the news.
“We’re lucky to still have Jonny continuing to play a major leadership role, and that was a really special moment with everyone, but especially for Leesy [Matty Lees]. He deserves it.
“We all know how hard he works, how loyal he is, and what a top bloke he is and I think there’s no one better to lead us into the future.”
One of our new recruits coming to the BrewDog Stadium is Jacob Host, a fellow Aussie that ‘Siro’ has spent some time with in the past. He is also tipping him to be a great fit for our club.
“We played for the City Origin side together against a Country Origin team, so since that camp we’ve kind of stayed aware of each other’s goings-on with Insta [Instagram] and that.
“He’s a big body but also a very skilful player. I think under Rowls [Paul Rowley] and the way we’re going to play, he’s going to be a great addition. He’s already been a really good pick-up for us.”
That ‘way we’re going to play’, Rowley’s style of play, has got many of the Saints faithful abuzz with discussion and thoughts on our attack in the new season. Curtis explains how the boss has set out his stall in this pre-season on what he wants from the team.
“Rowls [Paul Rowley] wants the shackles off. He wants us to back ourselves, play what we see, and trust our ability. It’s been great in terms of giving us players strong direction and clarity, and I think once we all get reps together and nail it I think it’s going to be really exciting.
“We’ve still got the international boys, Jackson [Hastings] and David [Klemmer], to step back in. Mix that with our young boys, I think we’ll be strong.”
Two youngsters in his own position have caught the eye of Curtis too during the opening month of the pre-season.
“Jake [Davies] has been great, he’s got a massive frame, and I think he’s still growing!
“Billy Keeley as well, he’s been outstanding, only 18 and already in a man’s body, lifting big weights and hungry to learn. He’s got a smart head on him, and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a taste of Super League this year.”
Sironen has a League Leaders’ Shield, Super League title and World Club Challenge trophy on his record, and knowing the expectation at this club, he wants more silverware. There is also one particular prize that Curtis would like to add to his résumé when discussing his goals for the new campaign.
“I haven’t played at Wembley in the Challenge Cup Final, so that’s a huge goal for me because it’s the one I’m missing from the set. But honestly, I just want consistency and to play as many games as I can. I’m closing in on that 100th Saints game, so obviously I want that as soon as possible.
“A few more tries wouldn’t hurt either!”
HONOURING THE PAST.
INSPIRING THE FUTURE.
In 2026 St.Helens R.F.C. marks a momentous milestone – 30 years on from our club securing the Double with the 1996 Challenge Cup trophy and the inaugural Super League title. Saints will celebrate three decades of thrilling rugby league action, unforgettable moments, and the unwavering passion of the Red V faithful.
On the field, our next generation of homegrown stars await, and they will be striving to repeat the successes of the glorious 1996 season.
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