Paul Wellens targets head coach role, inspired by “Rain Man” Woolf

St Helens and England assistant coach Paul Wellens has confirmed he has eyes on a head coach role but is in no rush to make the step up.

The 42-year-old, one of Great Britain’s finest ever full-backs, says he knew during his playing career that he had designs on becoming a coach. He has since benefited from the very best in learning his trade.

“When I was in my late 20s I had a very firm belief that I wanted to get into coaching,” Wellens reveals on this week’s Love Rugby League Podcast.

“It has been a real privilege to work with so many great coaches so early in my career with Justin Holbrook, Kristian Woolf, and with England Shaun Wane, Wayne Bennett, Steve McNamara. They are some unbelievable coaches who I have learned so much from. 

“I have my own philosophies of what I want to do and one day I do want to become a head coach.

“I am in no rush to do that as I am really enjoying the experience of working with Kristian and a great group of players and enjoying the day to day process of being a coach.”

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Kristian Woolf is like Rain Man, says Paul Wellens

Wellens says he has been struck by Woolf and his attention to detail at St Helens, while his man management skills have ensured a strong dynamic within the playing squad.

“Kristian has a kind of Rain Man thought process about the game!” Wellens laughed.

“He can remember a play that happened in 2019 and pull up a clip. You wonder how he has remembered that.

“He’s very diligent, knowledgeable but more so his man-management. He is a really honest bloke and is in constant dialogue with the players about our standards. He covers every base as a coach and I have learned so much from him.”

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