He's not had much time to get used to being labelled a world champion but St Helens superstar Jack Welsby is certainly feeling the love.
Barely a week after earning player of the match in their stunning World Club Challenge success in Penrith, the England international shone again at Castleford on Sunday. The dashing full-back, 21, scored one try, helped create another and saved two more with vital tackles. It’s the sort of display that’s become commonplace for one of rugby league’s rising stars - and shows why NRL clubs have started to show an interest.
Saints are hoping for a record-extending fifth successive Betfred Super League title. And the manner in which they swept aside Castleford 24-6 in their opener, despite missing five regulars and with all the travel stress of their trip Down Under, shows why they remain clear favourites. Welsby’s barely had a chance to breathe let alone take in just what they achieved with that epic glory in Sydney.
But he said: “The reaction at Cas’ underlined it. We got back early hours on Tuesday morning and were focused on that game. We haven’t had much time around the town and stuff but when I got there and saw 2,000 St Helens fans making their way to Cas on a Sunday afternoon for a 1 o’clock kick-off, it’s pretty special.
“It just shows the love and connection between the town, fans and team. It feels pretty good to be called a world champion. It’s deserved for our hard work over the last four years. It was our first crack at it since 2020. We are really excited about it - and buzzing to be now back in Super League.”
The bulk of Saints’ squad backed up to start their title defence in style including England prop Alex Walmsley who bulldozed over for two tries. But Welsby added: “We ended up missing a fair few. The two wingers who played in the World Club Challenge (Tommy Makinson and Will Hopoate) were missing, obviously James Roby was absent and Curtis Sironen and Agnatious Paasi.
“There’s five who haven’t played on Sunday and we’ve still come away with a resounding victory. It was a bit scrappy at times but all in all it was a good result.”
That just serves as another warning to the rest of the competition that the four-peat champions have no intention of easing off. Ex-Barrow winger Tee Ritson came in for an impressive try-scoring Super League debut while fellow wideman Jon Bennison, 20, also showed again how he can more than handle the top-flight. But Welsby was left nervous when giving away a penalty try for a high tackle on Jack Broadbent.
Many thought he was lucky to stay on the pitch and avoid any further punishment. But the World Cup star - later handed a Grade A charge of a careless high tackle with no ban - insisted: “I just had to put my body on the line. There was one similar in the World Club Challenge against Penrith against Brian To’o where I've hit the ball and it’s gone up over the top. It’s just one of those things. It’s 50/50. And we came away with a victory thanks to big Al.”
Paul Wellens’ side now face another tough turnaround with Leeds arriving on Friday for a rematch of last year’s Grand Final. Rhinos have yet to get off the mark and Welsby said: “They’ve lost both games so far but it doesn’t matter. At this point in the season it’s about new combinations and things like that. We’ve seen what they can put together at the back end of last season and we’re expecting a strong performance from Leeds and their best.”
Meanwhile, he remains in awe of the feats of his legendary captain Roby, 37, who was given a rare rest at the weekend but might return to action against Rhinos. Welsby admitted: “He’s the benchmark for this competition and has been for a long time. I’ve always said to be half as good as Robes you're probably good enough to play Super League.
“I think a lot of people are recognising him now for what he’s done in the game. But I don’t think he could care less to be honest. He’s such a normal person it’s insane. You wouldn’t think anything of him if you met him in the street. He’s a legendary bloke and obviously a legendary player.”
