Why new recruit hasn’t travelled with St Helens to Australia

St Helens coach Paul Wellens has explained why new signing Wesley Bruines hasn’t travelled with the team Down Under.

Saints took a 26-man squad over to Australia ahead of their games against NRL sides St George Illawarra Dragons and Penrith Panthers.

But Wesley Bruines, who joined the Super League champions in the off-season, didn’t travel over with the team.

Subsequently, the outside back was one of four St Helens players to join North Wales Crusaders on loan last week, featuring in a friendly at Warrington.

Paul Wellens on Wesley Bruines development

Speaking to Love Rugby League, Wellens explained the club’s tough decision not to take their new signing to Australia.

Wellens said: “Our academy coach Derek Traynor actually tried to sign Wesley years ago to be honest. But Wesley stayed at Wakefield and then found himself in Australia.

“When he wanted to come back to the UK we jumped at that chance because there is a lot of raw potential there with Wesley.

“It was a very difficult decision to not bring him out here. We were only able to bring 26 players with us so in that respect, I felt it was important to remain loyal to the majority of players who had been around for the last few years and helped us get there.

“But at the same time, for Wes’ development, was to actually go and play some rugby consistently. The opportunity he got at the weekend was a fantastic one for him. The way Wes is going to force his way into our team is by going out on the field, whether he plays for our reserves or whether he plays on dual-reg and does a good job, he gives us the confidence to push forward for selection in to our first team.

“People have got to understand that with all the young players in our squad, not just Wes, it’s not an easy team to get into. If you are a centre ahead of Mark Percival, Will Hopoate and Konrad Hurrell – those types of players are seasoned pros and all internationals – so it is a tough challenge for the likes of Wesley.

“But what I love about him is his enthusiasm and work ethic. He’s determined to get there and we’ll do everything we can to help him.”

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Paul Wellens full of praise for St Helens youngsters

Promising youngsters such as Daniel Hill, Sam Royle, Ben Davies, Lewis Baxter and Dan Norman are currently in Australia with Saints at the moment; and Wellens has nothing but praise for his rising stars.

He added: “What a lot of people probably won’t appreciate that we appreciate is that when you win a Grand Final at the end of the year, 17 lucky blokes get to take the field, but behind the scenes and the way we prepare week in, week out, you need guys who run against those guys in training, guys who have to turn up with a great attitude week on week, despite the fact they are disappointed they are not playing.

“The likes of Dan and Sam Royle have done that in particular consistently well for a long period of time now. They are a huge part of what we are about at the club.

“We are so grateful to have those guys on board. The way they approach their work everyday is infectious. They have the utmost respect of the playing group for the way they go about their business.”

St Helens face Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge on Saturday.

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