George Whitby

Joining the Saints from local community club Blackbrook Royals aged 14, George began his development towards becoming a professional player spending two years in our Scholarship programme.

As an Academy Saint Whitby played his part in the 2023 Academy Championship victory, and in 2024 led our youth team as Captain. As part of his progression in our Under 18s, Whitby also featured for our Reserves side, boasting an impressive point tally in tries and as a goal kicker for both Saints sides. George was the Red V’s halfback for our Reserves and Academy Grand Finals in September 2024, winning the Reserves title but falling agonisingly short of the Academy title.

Representative honours also came for George, in July 2024 he was chosen by Paul Anderson to be the England Academy Captain for a mid-season international against France.

In the summer of 2024 he stepped up into the First Team training environment, and one week after achieving great results in his A-Levels was named for the very first time in a senior St.Helens 21-man squad selection by Paul Wellens – as result of this he earned his first senior squad number, #35. That same week saw George was selected to make his debut at home against Hull KR.

In what was a poor day for the Saints though against the Robins Whitby provided the brightest moment by scoring and converting a try in front of the West Stand at the Totally Wicked Stadium. A wonderful moment for a lifelong Saints supporter, on his Super League and senior Saints debut!

Whitby led out the Saints Academy in the Academy Grand Final, falling just agonisingly short of securing back-to-back titles. However, George played in the 2024 Reserves Grand Final and was a key part of the Red V’s victory over our fierce rivals to become Reserve Champions.

2025 is George’s first season as a full-time St.Helens First Teamer, and the Club backed him to be an important player in the future with a new four-year deal running until the end of 2028. The deal ensures that the Saints keep hold of one of the most promising young talents in rugby league that we have developed.