Tee Ritson: St Helens coach beams over winger’s career trajectory – ‘he’s an example to everyone’

St Helens coach Paul Wellens says winger Tee Ritson is a ‘good example’ to all young players after making the transition into a full-time environment.

The 27-year-old linked up with the Super League champions on a season-long loan from Championship side Barrow ahead of this year, making 11 appearances so far.

Thailand-born Ritson has certainly earned his opportunity in Super League, having scored 70 tries in 73 games for Barrow in the Championship over the past four seasons.

Speaking in his weekly press conference ahead of Saints’ trip to Hull on Thursday, Wellens praised the way Ritson has adapted to life as a full-time professional athlete.

“Tee is a good example to all our young players really,” Wellens said.

“Although it is his first year as a full-time rugby league player, he is 27 years of age and he is a really mature kid.

“And what you get with that maturity is their ability to take on, retain information and go out there and do something about it.”

Tee Ritson taking St Helens opportunity with both hands

Ritson has forced his way into Wellens’ side as the season has progressed, with the speedster starting in the last seven games.

Wellens added: “For any young player coming through in the game, Tee is a good example of how you can develop and develop quickly.

“When he first came into the team, he didn’t know a lot about the group or a lot about our systems but he has very quickly learned about them and put them into practice on the training field and then out in games and his performances are a reflection of that.”

Ritson could make his 12th appearance in the Red V when St Helens travel to Hull in Thursday night’s televised Super League clash, 8pm kick-off.

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