WATCH: St Helens show Super League class with first World Club Challenge try

Josh McAllister
Jack Welsby St Helens

St Helens have opened the scoring in the World Club Challenge with Jack Welsby finishing off an impressive long-range break against Penrith. 

The intensity was high from the off, with a tempers flaring just 30 seconds into the clash following a Penrith mistake.

Welsby, 21, went on to open the scoring at the BlueBet Stadium after just eight minutes. The England international supporting a break from starting back-rower Curtis Sironen to race away and score under the sticks.

The England international has enjoyed a fine start to the game, going from try-scorer to try-saver less than 10 minutes later. He denied Penrith star Nathan Cleary a chance to instantly reply with a strong tackle over the line, forcing the mistake.

Former NRL centre Konrad Hurrell extended the visitor’s lead with 17 on the clock. The 31-year-old Tonga international too strong close to the line to crash his way over for a 10-0 lead.

WATCH: St Helens score first in Australia

St Helens team news

Sironen, 29, was promoted to starting back-row for St Helens following the loss of Joe Batchelor. The England international picked up an ankle injury against St George Illawarra Dragons which will require surgery.

Tommy Makinson and Will Hopoate started on the wings, meaning Tee Ritson and Jon Bennison missed out.

Morgan Knowles returned to the side, having been left out last weekend due to illness.

Five players were named on the bench: Joey Lussick, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Agnatius Paasi, Jake Wingfield and James Bell.

For Penrith, Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai were named in the halves. Isaah Yeo, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris all lined up too for the World Club Challenge tie. 

READ MORE: Why Wigan chief will be supporting St Helens this weekend

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