St Helens in limbo as Paul Rowley departs after turbulent season

St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has stepped down with immediate effect, ending a tenure that began before the 2026 Super League season. The 51‑year‑old leaves the Saints while they sit sixth in the table, six points adrift of leaders Leeds Rhinos.

Rowley arrived at St Helens after spells as head coach at Leigh, Toronto and the Salford Red Devils, the latter ending after a financially‑challenged 2025 campaign. His appointment was hailed as a boost, bringing experience across the Super League and abroad to the Club.

Since his arrival, the Saints have struggled for form and are battling an injury crisis. The lack of consistency has hampered their ability to climb the Super League standings.

In all competitions the side have lost six of their past ten games and currently sit six points behind Leeds Rhinos in the Super League table. The points gap underscores the difficulty of the campaign under Rowley.

The resignation was announced ahead of Friday's derby against Wigan Warriors. The timing adds pressure to a squad already facing a tough fixture.

Chairman Eamonn McManus said, "The decision was an extremely difficult one for all concerned, and we fully recognise the extra challenges that Paul faced with us this particular season." He added that the club respects Rowley's efforts despite the hardships.

Assistant coach Eamon O'Carroll will assume interim charge of the Club. The former Ireland international played for Wigan, Hull FC and Widnes before moving into coaching, with spells at the Vikings, Catalans Dragons, Newcastle Thunder and Bradford Bulls.

Rowley's tenure began with a Challenge Cup victory over Workington, followed by a defeat by Warrington to start the 2026 campaign. The Saints then won ten of their next eleven matches, highlighted by an Easter derby comeback win over Wigan.

Later in the season the team suffered defeats in the Challenge Cup and endured a 46‑0 loss to Toulouse amid spiralling form. St Helens had dominated the northern‑hemisphere game at the turn of the decade, securing four successive Super League Grand Final titles and a World Club Challenge triumph. Former boss Paul Wellens departed after a dramatic playoff comeback over Leeds Rhinos, and Rowley had led the Red Devils for four seasons, the last marked by severe financial turmoil.