St Helens: Superstar likened to Sam Tomkins after ‘unplayable’ performance
Photos: SWpix
St Helens superstar Jack Welsby is one of the best British talents to come through the Super League ranks since Sam Tomkins.
That’s the view of Scotland and Salford full-back Ryan Brierley, who delivered a glowing endorsement of Welsby on the Super League Show.
On Friday night, Welsby produced a man of the match performance to inspire St Helens to a 34-16 win over Wigan in his 100th game for the club.
At just 22 years of age, Welsby has already got three Super League titles, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge under his belt as well as representing England in a World Cup.
Speaking on this week’s Super League Show, Salford full-back Brierley hailed Welsby as one of the brightest British talents since the emergence of Tomkins more than a decade ago.
Brierley said: “He’s a freak. As a country and a competition, we’ve got our duty of care to look after this young kid.
“There’s going to be a time when he’s not going to be at his best, obviously last night he was at his ultimate best and I think he’s unplayable when he is in that mood.
“I think because he is such a young kid, he is going go through them those inconsistencies that Paul Wellens spoke about, I just think we as a country and competition need to (look after him), I said the same about Brodie Croft (when he came over).
“If we look after him as a game you will see the best version of Jack Welsby.
“What he has been doing at such a young age has never been seen before, probably since Sam Tomkins came on the scene – I think he is that good.
“I think for this country to have him as part of our competition… We should feel privileged and honoured that he is playing for us.”
St Helens boss on Jack Welsby: His quality speaks for itself
Saints coach Paul Wellens was full of praise for Welsby after his stunning display in his milestone appearance on Friday.
Wellens said: “For such a young player Jack’s maturity is incredible, and his quality speaks for itself.
“Sometimes Jack wants to go out and show everyone how good he is, but he has been really patient in recent weeks and what he’s done is keep things simple.
“When he gets the opportunity he grasps it, and that’s what he did tonight.”
St Helens are in Challenge Cup action this week as they travel to Hull on Saturday afternoon, 2:30pm kick-off.
