Paul Rowley has taken the reins at St Helens, a club that dominated Super League with four consecutive titles from 2019 to 2022, with the goal of restoring their winning ways.

St Helens head coach Paul Rowley exudes a sense of sophistication, with his grey hair, sharp suits, and athletic build, but his focus is firmly on the task at hand, rather than a career in Hollywood.

At 50, Rowley has an important mission to accomplish, and it's not related to the silver screen – he's dedicated to bringing success back to St Helens.

Rowley's task is to guide the team away from the shadow of their past achievements and towards a new era of excitement and success, leveraging the club's potential to thrive in the Super League.

Fans are hoping that Rowley will be the catalyst for a resurgence in the team's fortunes, bringing a touch of magic to the squad, as embodied by the legendary Shirley Bassey.

With a proven track record of success, including his time at Leigh and Toronto Wolfpack, as well as his stint at Salford, where he transformed the team into a formidable challenger, Rowley is now taking on his most significant role yet.

This new chapter in his career represents the biggest opportunity for Rowley to leave his mark on the sport.

According to Rowley, the key to success lies not in skill or ability, but in confidence and self-belief, as he explained to BBC Sport: "The difference between teams that succeed and those that don't is confidence and backing yourself."

Rowley emphasized the importance of players having the freedom to express themselves on the field, stating, "It's about having the licence to play and backing yourself."

He believes that his players have the necessary permission to take risks and showcase their abilities, saying, "The players have the licence, basically."

Jack Welsby is expected to play a crucial role in Rowley's plans, as the coach seeks to instill his own brand of rugby league into the team.

In contrast to the glamorous world of James Bond, Rowley describes himself as a down-to-earth individual who prefers a simple cup of tea and biscuit, rather than a lavish lifestyle.

Although he values his private life with his family, Rowley has already experienced the intense scrutiny that comes with being a high-profile coach in St Helens, and has enjoyed engaging with the passionate fans who make matchday so special.

The appointment of Rowley as head coach has been widely welcomed by supporters in St Helens, who are eager to see their team return to its former glory and play with flair and excitement.

Rowley is relishing the opportunity to work with top talent, including Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, and Tristan Sailor, and is looking forward to a more stable environment after the challenges he faced at Salford in 2025.

The previous season was marked by a tumultuous takeover saga, numerous player departures, and ultimately, the liquidation of the Red Devils, a far cry from the stability Rowley is seeking.

Despite these challenges, Rowley's achievements at Salford, including back-to-back top six finishes and a fourth-place finish in 2024, demonstrate his coaching prowess.

Rowley reflected on his time at Salford, saying, "We were never a big club in terms of resources, but that was what made it enjoyable – the challenge of overcoming adversity."

He believes that the key to success lies in the character of the team, stating, "If you can bring that same work ethic to a bigger club with more resources, it can make all the difference."

Rowley emphasized that every club has its unique personality and group of dedicated individuals who strive for success, but it's the scale of expectation and interest that sets teams apart.

He noted that St Helens is a town where rugby league is deeply ingrained, and the club's significance is palpable, saying, "The biggest thing in the town is the rugby club – you can feel it, it's tangible."

Rowley appreciates the enthusiasm and support of the people of St Helens, saying, "It's great that people are so willing and wanting us to do well – I love the fact that everyone is aligned and behind the team."

The sense of community and shared purpose in St Helens is something that Rowley finds inspiring, and he's eager to build on that momentum.

As the 2026 Super League season approaches, fans are eager to see what the future holds for St Helens under Rowley's guidance.

Despite the pressure to perform, Rowley remains focused on his goals, and is not feeling pressured to deliver an immediate positive start.

The appointment of Rowley as head coach marks a new era for St Helens, and fans are excited to see how he will shape the team's future.

The arrival of Jackson Hastings brings a high level of experience and quality to the squad, and his reunion with Rowley is expected to be a key factor in the team's success.

St Helens have made significant moves in the transfer market, bringing in players like David Klemmer, Jacob Host, and Nene Macdonald to bolster their squad and revive their title aspirations.

The addition of former Man of Steel Jackson Hastings is a major coup, as he brings a level of control and creativity to the team, and his experience of working with Rowley at Salford will be invaluable.

At 30 years old, Hastings is still in his prime, and his decision to join St Helens is a testament to the club's appeal and Rowley's coaching abilities.

Hastings has found a sense of belonging in the northern hemisphere, and his move to St Helens is also driven by his desire to work with Rowley again.

According to Hastings, Rowley's calm and composed demeanor is a major asset, saying, "He never gets too high or too low, and that's something that I really appreciate about him as a coach."

Hastings values Rowley's ability to remain even-tempered, even in the face of adversity, and believes that this trait is essential for a coach.

He also appreciates Rowley's personality, saying, "As someone who can be a bit up and down, having a coach who is calm and even is great for me."

Having previously faced St Helens as an opponent, Hastings is now looking forward to being part of the team and contributing to their success.

In the past, Hastings has had to watch as St Helens celebrated Grand Final victories over his former teams, Salford and Wigan, but now he's eager to be part of the team's success.

As he trains alongside iconic players like Welsby, Jonny Lomax, and Walmsley, Hastings is impressed by their work ethic and dedication to the sport.

He believes that the team's success is built on a foundation of hard work, discipline, and attention to detail, saying, "They do all the little things that make you a great player and a great team."

Hastings is excited to be part of a team that is committed to establishing a new culture and is eager to contribute to the team's success.

The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the players is palpable, and Hastings is looking forward to being part of a team that is united in its pursuit of excellence.

Paul Wellens, a highly regarded figure at the club, was removed from his position as Saints coach following the previous season, highlighting the high expectations at St Helens, despite his achievements, including a play-off semi-final appearance and a World Club Challenge win in his inaugural season.

The pressure to perform is undoubtedly high, which is consistent with the standards set by a club of St Helens' caliber and reputation.

Rowley described his new role as a significant one, stating, "It feels like a major position," but noted that his focus has always been on achieving success with his current team, rather than seeking other opportunities.

He explained that his mindset is driven by a sense of determination, saying, "I've always viewed the club I'm representing as a major entity, and that's what motivates me to succeed."

Rowley acknowledged the rich history and prestige of St Helens, recognizing that the club's reputation precedes it, and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team.

As the new coach, Rowley is aware of the club's stature and is committed to embracing the challenge, stating, "I'm fortunate to be in this position, and I'm looking forward to it."

Rowley's ability to maintain a balanced approach could be the key to St Helens regaining their footing and achieving success.

According to Hastings, the team is prepared to take bold action, saying, "We'll keep pushing forward, and eventually, our efforts will pay off."

Hastings emphasized the importance of remaining calm under pressure, while also having confidence in their abilities, which have been refined through extensive training during the pre-season.

With a coach who believes in their potential, the players are now tasked with trusting the system and executing it effectively, as Hastings noted, "We've worked on this all pre-season, and now it's up to us to deliver on the weekends."

The players must now have faith in themselves and their training, and put their skills into practice during upcoming matches.