St Helens Paul Wellens boss pays tribute to departing hooker Joey Lussick in final game: ‘He was outstanding’

St Helens coach Paul Wellens paid tribute to the departing Joey Lussick, hailing the hooker as ‘outstanding’ in his final game for the club.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after their 12-10 defeat to Leigh Leopards in the Challenge Cup semi-finals on Saturday, Wellens confirmed that Lussick had played his final game for the club.

Lussick will make an immediate return to the NRL with Parramatta, with St Helens receiving an undisclosed transfer fee for Lussick, who was under contract until the end of 2024, although the signing has yet to be officially announced by the Eels.

The Australian hooker was impressive in his last game for St Helens, scoring a try and kicking a 40/20 in their agonising defeat to Leigh.

“Joey has played his last game for the club, but I want to go on record and say he was outstanding,” said Wellens after the game.

“People talk about the loss of James Roby but Joey stood up for the team today.

“Just allowing players to leave is not something we want to do but we’ve come to a resolution and I want to thank Joey for his efforts.”

St Helens been ‘working on’ replacement for Joey Lussick

The Super League champions say they have been working on bringing in a replacement for Lussick, which has been widely reported to be utility Moses Mbye from NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons.

“The Saints have been working on a suitable replacement for Lussick to join the squad immediately, and details on this player will be confirmed in due course,” the club put in their press release on Lussick’s departure.

Lussick, who has made 52 appearances in the Red V, helped the Saints win the League Leaders’ Shield and Super League Grand Final in his first season with the club.

And earlier this year, Lussick helped St Helens be crowned world champions as they defeated Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge.

“The Saints would like to thank Joey for his efforts as a St Helens player, and we wish him the very best for the future,” the club added in their press release.

‘I’m devastated’ – Paul Wellens on Challenge Cup semi-final defeat

St Helens were 6-0 up at the break thanks to a first half try from Lussick. However, Leigh fought back in the second half with tries from Oliver Holmes and Zak Hardaker to take a 12-6 lead.

Jonny Lomax pulled one back for Saints late on but Tommy Makinson couldn’t convert, with the Leopards holding on for a 12-10 victory and a place in the final.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Wellens said: “At this moment in time I’m devastated.

“There was obviously a huge prize at stake today and the opportunity to go to Wembley and play in a Challenge Cup final doesn’t get much better.

“I’ve been in this position before as a player when you lose in semi-finals, it is never nice and I’m just gutted.”

St Helens will now turn their attention back to Super League, with a home game against Leeds next Friday.

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