St. Helens are making a significant push to reclaim their Super League dominance, bolstering their squad with a series of high-profile signings and welcoming back a familiar face in Jackson Hastings. The Saints, aiming to reignite their title aspirations, have added considerable power and creativity to their ranks as they prepare for the season.
The arrival of forwards David Klemmer and Jacob Host is expected to provide a substantial boost to the pack. These additions bring a physicality and punch that will be crucial in the intensely competitive Super League. Complementing these forward reinforcements is Nene Macdonald, whose signing is intended to add further attacking threat out wide, providing another dimension to the Saints’ offensive capabilities.
However, perhaps the most impactful acquisition is the return of Jackson Hastings. The former Man of Steel has agreed to a one-year deal with St. Helens, marking a return to England after previous successful spells with Salford. Hastings’ arrival isn’t just about adding a talented player; it’s about bringing in a proven playmaker and a leader who understands the demands of the Super League.
Hastings’ previous stint in the northern hemisphere clearly left a positive impression on the Australian-born player. He has stated that England feels like a second home, a place where he can achieve mental clarity – a crucial element for peak performance. This positive mindset is further reinforced by his relationship with Saints coach Paul Rowley, a coach he previously worked with at Salford.
“He never gets too high when we do something good or too angry when we’re not great,” Hastings told BBC Radio 5 live, highlighting Rowley’s even temperament. “To have that mental fortitude as a coach to stay even throughout the game, or when training sessions fluctuate, is something he’s always been good at. Everyone talks about his sides and how they move the ball, but I think him as a person, he’s pretty even with his emotions and that’s something I really enjoy being around.”
For Hastings, Rowley’s calm demeanor is particularly valuable. He admits to being someone who can experience fluctuations in emotional state, and having a steadying influence in his coach is proving beneficial. This dynamic suggests a strong player-coach relationship built on trust and mutual understanding, which could be a key factor in St. Helens’ success.
Hastings’ respect for St. Helens extends beyond his coach. He previously found himself on the losing side against the Saints in the and Grand Finals while playing for Salford and Wigan, respectively. Now, he’s joining forces with the players who were at the heart of those victories – long-standing Saints icons such as Tommy Makinson, Jonny Lomax and Alex Walmsley.
“You can see why they’ve been successful, they train hard, they’re disciplined, and they all do the little things that make you a great player, a great person and ultimately a great team,” Hastings observed. “They do the things that you require to be successful and that’s been great. We’re trying to establish a new culture and everyone has bought into that.”
This acknowledgement of the existing culture at St. Helens is significant. Hastings isn’t attempting to dismantle a winning formula but rather to contribute to and enhance it. The emphasis on discipline, hard work, and attention to detail – qualities Hastings clearly admires in his new teammates – suggests a seamless integration into the squad.
The Saints’ transfer activity doesn’t end with these key signings. The additions of Klemmer, Host, and Macdonald, alongside Hastings, represent a clear statement of intent. St. Helens are not simply aiming to remain competitive; they are actively building a squad capable of challenging for – and winning – the Super League title. The blend of established stars and new recruits creates a dynamic and potentially formidable team.
The Super League season promises to be a fiercely contested one, with several teams strengthening their squads. However, with a revitalized roster and a renewed sense of purpose, St. Helens are well-positioned to be among the frontrunners. The return of Jackson Hastings, in particular, adds a layer of excitement and expectation to the club, and fans will be eager to see how this talented playmaker impacts the team’s performance.
The challenge for Rowley and his team will be to seamlessly integrate these new signings into the existing structure and foster a cohesive team spirit. Hastings’ comments suggest that this process is already underway, with a shared commitment to establishing a new culture built on hard work, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of success. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on St. Helens to see if they can translate their impressive transfer activity into on-field results.
Beyond St. Helens, the Super League landscape is also seeing movement. Reports indicate interest in players from Halifax Panthers, though their future is uncertain following liquidation. Other teams, such as Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers, are dealing with injury updates as they prepare for the season opener. The league is clearly bracing for a competitive year, with teams across the board making adjustments to their squads and strategies.
