St Helens chairman confident of more success after Kristian Woolf’s new deal

St Helens have confirmed that Kristian Woolf will coach the club in 2022 after signing a contract extension. 

Woolf and the club took up the option to extend his two-year contract into a third season.

Woolf, who is also the Tonga head coach, succeeded Justin Holbrook at the start of 2020 and led the Saints to a Super League title in his first season with the club. He then guided the Super League champions to their first Challenge Cup in 13 years with victory over Castleford at Wembley two weeks ago.

Woolf said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to stay on for another year at this great club.

“I love working with the group and they are an exceptional group of men. They work hard and their desire to win is great to be a part of.

“The club and in particular Eamonn (McManus) and Rushy (Mike Rush) have been terrific with me and my family since I arrived. They have made every effort in difficult circumstances to ensure my family are happy here and that has made my decision to stay an easy one.

“Thank you also to the wonderful St Helens fans who again have made us feel so welcome and part of the St Helens community. When you are a long way from home, those things are so important.

“I am now looking forward to the future here at St Helens.”

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus said: “It’s terrific news that Kristian is staying with us at least until the end of 2022.

“It’s no coincidence that his arrival at the club 18 months ago has already delivered us a Grand Final victory over Wigan and our first Challenge Cup victory in 13 years.

“He’s undoubtedly improved mentality, as well as outcome, and the players have reacted really well to his leadership, management and coaching skills. There’s no doubt that Saints will continue to be more than a force to be reckoned with under his direction going forward.

“He’s achieved all this during a very difficult and prolonged period when he and his young family have been cut off from their families back home in Australia and have been deprived of normal interaction in society in their new home in England.

“Despite this, he has committed himself totally to the challenging task at hand and with deserved success and recognition. I can only thank him on behalf of all at the club for his dedication and success, and am very confident that more of each now lies ahead.”