Wellens Shows his Metal

As St Helens took Leeds apart on Saturday with relative ease on Saturday to complete the fomality of the Minor Premiership, there were plenty of players who stood up and laid claim to the Man of Steel.



A hat-trick from last year's winner Jamie Lyon game put weight behind his claims, James Graham's forward runs showed why he's one of the most promising British forwards in years, Sean Long continued his Lance Todd winning form and Paul Anderson's kicking exploits weren't to be sniffed at either.

But it was another St Helens star that has caught the eye. Ever dependable full-back Paul Wellens has been the star of Super League in 2006 and will no doubt be picking up the British game's biggest individual accolade at the end of the regular season to go with a probable trio of trophies should the Saints do the expected and come out victorious at Old Trafford.

The Great Britain full-back's two tries in quick succession against the Rhinos on Saturday evening put the gloss on what has been a solid season in which he has rarely looked like showing any weaknesses.
His support play is amongst the best in Super League and playing behind the most dominant pack in Super League alongside a creative genius like Sean Long creating gaps, he will certainly add to his season tally of sixteen tries.

As for the autumn, Wellens had his seat booked on the plane to Australia the minute the team Tri Nations dates were announced. With the retirement of Kris Radlinski, the number one shirt was assured. The Kangaroo's will provide a much sterner test but if Wellens and a host of other St Helens players can maintain their form and carry it over whilst wearning a Lions jersey, Great Britain may well improve on last years dismall performances.