Boots 'n' All: Paul Wellens says St Helens eager to end trophy drought

St Helens’ injury crisis has made the club more determined than ever to end their trophy drought, captain Paul Wellens told Boots ‘n’ All.

Saints sit three points clear at the top of Super League but have had to deal with major injury troubles this term, including problems for Jonny Lomax, Luke Walsh and Jon Wilkin which have ruled the trio out for the remainder of the season.

St Helens are in a great position to win the League Leader’s Shield, though, and Wellens says his men are motivated to clinch their first title since 2008, in spite of their injury setbacks.

The challenge is more difficult but if you can overcome that challenge it makes it even more enjoyable.

“It’s been quite bizarre, losing players - and losing three key players for the rest of the year is certainly not ideal,” said Wellens.

“But ultimately what we’ve done as a team is sit down, re-group and address the situation.

"Those injuries make it a little more difficult for us but by no means do they put us to bed and we’ve still got plenty to play for.

Improve

“The challenge is more difficult but if you can overcome that challenge it makes it even more enjoyable and that’s something we’ve got to bear in mind going forward.

“It’s 2008 since we last brought any silverware to the club, which for a club of this stature is far too long. It’s something we’re looking to re-address this year, starting with the League Leader’s Shield.”

The end of the regular season will provide a stern test to Saints’ resources - but Wellens typically welcomes the challenge and says the fixtures will prepare his side well for the intensity of the play-offs.

“When it comes to the play-offs you want to be battle-hardened and playing intense rugby,” he said. “That’s how it’s going to be come that time of year.

“In our final three games we’ll get to see where we’re at and what we need to improve on come play-off time.

“If winning Grand Finals was easy everybody would do it. That’s not the case. You have to expend every bit of energy you have to get there. Hopefully within our group we’ve got that available to us.”

Watch Leeds v St Helens, 7.30pm, Fri, Sky Sports 1.