Latest news with #Welsby

South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Welsby: England have the right tools to down Australia in the Ashes
The 24-year-old St Helens man is currently out with a long-term knee injury suffered during his side's 34-4 loss at the hands of Hull KR in May. But despite being told the recovery time would be 16 weeks, the full-back, who can also play at stand-off, wing and centre, was included in head coach Shaun Wane's preparation squad for the upcoming series and Welsby is confident his recovery is ahead of schedule. Having been named man of the match when Saints defeated Penrith Panthers 13-12 to win the 2023 World Club Challenge, Welsby knows what success against Australian opposition looks like. And the multiple Super League winner feels results such as that, as well as Wigan's win over the same opposition in the World Club Challenge a year later and recent English international triumphs, have helped build towards autumn's Ashes battle. 'We know if we go out there and perform on the day, we're more than capable of beating them,' he said. 'Us at St Helens beat Penrith over there, and they've got some good players who will probably be playing for Australia. 'Obviously Wigan have the done the same, and as England, we've beaten Tonga and Samoa in two really good test series. 'It all feels like it's been building to this and we are giving ourselves the best opportunity.' Beginning in Clapham - home of one of London's largest populations of expat Aussies - and finishing at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the tour saw the Ashes Trophy travel through the capital's streets aboard a classic London bus, giving fans and passers-by a glimpse of the 97-year-old trophy as it approached the Wembley arch. The three-Test contest will see England face Australia on home soil for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final and will also be the first Ashes Series since 2003, when the Kangaroos last toured the UK under the Great Britain banner. And claiming a first Ashes series victory since 1970 is at the forefront of Welsby's mind. 'That's all we're focusing on,' he added. 'We've had a good couple of meetings now with Waney [Shuan Wane] and the extended squad. 'Those conversations have been about how good would it feel to do it [beat Australia] and how we're going to go about doing it. 'Everyone in the league will be concentrating on getting to Old Trafford and winning the Grand Final but in the back of all our minds, we're all thinking that we need to be in the best possible shape to beat the Aussies when that time comes.' Welsby was speaking during a launch event in London to mark 100 days to go until the 2025 Ashes Series begins. The series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th October, before heading to Liverpool a week later on Saturday 1st November where a sold-out Bramley-Moore Dock will take centre stage. Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Stadium is the venue for the third and final Test on Saturday 8th November which is also a sellout. Over 60,000 tickets were sold on the first day of the priority sales window, which was a record-breaking figure for any Rugby League series launch, and ticket sales for Wembley are continuing at pace. The prospect of playing in three such iconic venues was not lost on Welsby, who revealed being fit for the Ashes was helping drive his recovery. He added: "It's a massive motivator for me to play for my country in the biggest Test series we've had for two decades. I definitely want to put myself in the frame to play." Marking the milestone with a '100 days to go' London Trophy Tour were Rugby League legend Martin Offiah MBE, current England captain George Williams, star player Jack Welsby, and Aussie comedian and Rugby Football League President, Adam Hills MBE.


The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Rugby League star Jack Welsby says England will ‘whitewash' Australia in the Ashes this Autumn
ENGLAND back Jack Welsby has full belief in the Three Lions this Autumn - but said he will be 'nervous' ahead of the series. The Rugby League Ashes returns for the first time in 22 years, and is set to kick-off at Wembley Stadium on October 25. Advertisement 5 Jack Welsby will be aiming to guide England to a 3-0 victory in the Rugby League Ashes Credit: SWpix 5 Welsby (right) has said he will feel 'nervous' ahead of the huge clash against Australia Credit: SWpix 5 Jack Welsby's St Helens side upset Australian Penrith in 2023 Credit: Getty St Helens back Welsby knows all about upsetting the Kangaroos, with his St Helens side picking up an improbable victory over Penrith in the 2023, Welsby scoring the opening try that day. The Three Lions have not beaten Australia since 2016, and are looking to avenge the loss of the 2017 World Cup final. Australia test will be 'another level' The 24-year-old star, who can play full back, half back, centre and wing, told SunSport: "I'll be nervous I reckon. Advertisement Read more Rugby League "I don't get nervous at all for Super League games anymore, but you still get tingling feelings when you play against Wigan and Warrington. "I imagine it's going to step up another level when Australia are in town at Wembley. "I know they'll be just as nervous coming over here playing, and they're the favourites, they've got to come up and face us. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Advertisement Most read in Rugby League "They'll be expecting to win, but so are we." Despite the nerves, Welsby can't wait to get started. First glimpse of The Luke Littler Stadium as Warrington Wolves rename ground in honour of darts superstar and megafan 5 The Rugby League Ashes is set to take get going on October 25 Credit: SWpix He added said: "I think we've been saying it for a while now, excited, it feels like we've been waiting a long time for this to come around. Advertisement "We've sort of been building as a team and as a country for this moment. "We want to grab it with both hands, so [we are] excited and ready." Welsby's club side St Helens also know about the spoils of victory over Aussies, as they upset Penrith in 2023. And the 24-year-old is ready a raring to do it again. Advertisement He added: "As a Super League competition, we've had some good success against the Australian champions in the last two attempts. "Hopefully we can channel that and put it into practice again come October 25 at Wembley." Playing for England is the 'pinnacle of the sport' Welsby has played a handful of times for the Three Lions since his debut in 2022, and has called it "the pinncale of the sport." In terms of where a series win could rank amongst his career achievements, Welsby said: "playing against the best team in the world in Australia, if we can get a result over them, it would be very memorable." Advertisement Although Welsby called them the 'best team in the world,' he has belief in England's chances, saying: "I think since the Samoa semi-final in the World Cup, we've gradually got better and better. "We've added new people to the squad, who add a lot to us, so there is going to be new faces again who have to step up, and become even better. "I believe we can do that and upset the odds." He also told the new faces to relish the opportunity to play for England, saying: "I just think back to when I came up, and about how nervous I was for that first test against Samoa. Advertisement "As soon as I got out on the field, I just let loose and enjoyed it. 5 England captain George Williams and Jack Welsby toured London 100 days out from the first test Credit: SWpix "When I speak to the players now, I can see a bit of nerves in the changing rooms, I just remind them what they've been doing all year in a tough competition "The reason they've got to be here is because of the way that they've been playing Advertisement "Waney [Shaun Wane] doesn't pick people who aren't in form or who doesn't deserve to be there, so they've got to be confident when they step up." When asked for a prediction, Welsby said: "I'll go 3-0. Whitewash." The three test series between England and Australia is set to take place in October this year, with the first test coming LIVE from Wembley.


Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Rugby League star Jack Welsby says England will ‘whitewash' Australia in the Ashes this Autumn
The St Helens back Jack Welsby spoke to SunSport 100 days out from the series this year WEL CONFIDENT Rugby League star Jack Welsby says England will 'whitewash' Australia in the Ashes this Autumn ENGLAND back Jack Welsby has full belief in the Three Lions this Autumn - but said he will be 'nervous' ahead of the series. The Rugby League Ashes returns for the first time in 22 years, and is set to kick-off at Wembley Stadium on October 25. 5 Jack Welsby will be aiming to guide England to a 3-0 victory in the Rugby League Ashes Credit: SWpix 5 Welsby (right) has said he will feel 'nervous' ahead of the huge clash against Australia Credit: SWpix 5 Jack Welsby's St Helens side upset Australian Penrith in 2023 Credit: Getty St Helens back Jack Welsby has scored four tries for England, and said: "I'll go 3-0 [England]. Whitewash," when asked for a Rugby League Ashes prediction. Welsby knows all about upsetting the Kangaroos, with his St Helens side picking up an improbable victory over Penrith in the 2023, Welsby scoring the opening try that day. The Three Lions have not beaten Australia since 2016, and are looking to avenge the loss of the 2017 World Cup final. Australia test will be 'another level' The 24-year-old star, who can play full back, half back, centre and wing, told SunSport: "I'll be nervous I reckon. "I don't get nervous at all for Super League games anymore, but you still get tingling feelings when you play against Wigan and Warrington. "I imagine it's going to step up another level when Australia are in town at Wembley. "I know they'll be just as nervous coming over here playing, and they're the favourites, they've got to come up and face us. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "They'll be expecting to win, but so are we." Despite the nerves, Welsby can't wait to get started. First glimpse of The Luke Littler Stadium as Warrington Wolves rename ground in honour of darts superstar and megafan 5 The Rugby League Ashes is set to take get going on October 25 Credit: SWpix He added said: "I think we've been saying it for a while now, excited, it feels like we've been waiting a long time for this to come around. "We've sort of been building as a team and as a country for this moment. "We want to grab it with both hands, so [we are] excited and ready." Welsby's club side St Helens also know about the spoils of victory over Aussies, as they upset Penrith in 2023. And the 24-year-old is ready a raring to do it again. He added: "As a Super League competition, we've had some good success against the Australian champions in the last two attempts. "Hopefully we can channel that and put it into practice again come October 25 at Wembley." Playing for England is the 'pinnacle of the sport' Welsby has played a handful of times for the Three Lions since his debut in 2022, and has called it "the pinncale of the sport." In terms of where a series win could rank amongst his career achievements, Welsby said: "playing against the best team in the world in Australia, if we can get a result over them, it would be very memorable." Although Welsby called them the 'best team in the world,' he has belief in England's chances, saying: "I think since the Samoa semi-final in the World Cup, we've gradually got better and better. "We've added new people to the squad, who add a lot to us, so there is going to be new faces again who have to step up, and become even better. "I believe we can do that and upset the odds." He also told the new faces to relish the opportunity to play for England, saying: "I just think back to when I came up, and about how nervous I was for that first test against Samoa. "As soon as I got out on the field, I just let loose and enjoyed it. 5 England captain George Williams and Jack Welsby toured London 100 days out from the first test Credit: SWpix "When I speak to the players now, I can see a bit of nerves in the changing rooms, I just remind them what they've been doing all year in a tough competition "The reason they've got to be here is because of the way that they've been playing "Waney [Shaun Wane] doesn't pick people who aren't in form or who doesn't deserve to be there, so they've got to be confident when they step up." When asked for a prediction, Welsby said: "I'll go 3-0. Whitewash." The three test series between England and Australia is set to take place in October this year, with the first test coming LIVE from Wembley.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Welsby hat-trick helps Saints thrash Giants
Betfred Super League Huddersfield (0) 4 Tries: Bibby St Helens (22) 46 Tries: Sailor 2, Sironen 2, Welsby 3, Murphy Goals: Whitby 7 St Helens continued their recent dominance over Huddersfield Giants with a 46-4 victory which eased the pressure on boss Paul Wellens. Jack Welsby scored a hat-trick, Tristan Sailor and Curtis Sironen grabbed two tries each and Lewis Murphy also got on the scoreboard on a stunning night for Saints. Jack Bibby scored the hosts' only points on a chastening night for the Giants. Saints have now won the past 12 meetings against the Giants and climb to fourth in Super League courtesy of a second win in a row. Victory for Saints means they have scored a cumulative 86 points over the course of their past two matches having thrashed Catalans 40-0 last week. Sailor got them going inside 10 minutes and the visitors never looked back. Welsby put in the assist for the try having combined with Jonny Lomax in the build-up. The Giants' tough start was compounded when Taane Milne was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul for denying Sironen a clear try. Moments later, Sironen got on the scoresheet and made them pay, touching down from Lomax's searching kick, while Welsby added the fourth on 26 minutes in similar fashion from Morgan Knowles' grubber kick. Lomax thought he added a fifth just before half time, but video referee Marcus Griffiths judged that he failed to ground Welsby's kick. and Saints frustration was exacerbated when Alex Walmsley was sent to the bin for a professional foul of his own. On his return, Walmsley put in an excellent defensive effort to hold up Tui Lolohea and soon after the visitors extended their lead when Sailor turned defence into attack to feed Welsby who raced clear. Huddersfield pulled a try back through Bibby but Saints denied them any more momentum minutes later when Murphy showed great hands to touch down after swift passing from Lomax and Welsby. Sironen added his second try of the night nine minutes from time, powering over from close range while Welsby rounded his night off with a third, while Murphy wrapped up an emphatic win with the visitors' eighth try of the evening. Huddersfield: Lolohea; Swift, Milne, Halsall, Gagai; Clune, Rush; King, Woolford, Greenwood, Rushton, Bibby, Cudjoe Interchanges: Golding, Wilson, Burgess, Hewitt; Bibby. St Helens: Welsby; Sailor, Percival, Cross, Murphy; Lomax, Whitby; Walmsley, Clark, Delaney, Sironen, Knowles, Lees Interchanges: Mbye, Paasi, Stephens, Dagnall; Burns. Referee: Chris Kendall.


BBC News
07-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Hull KR go top with impressive win at St Helens
Betfred Super LeagueSt Helens (6) 10Tries: Sironen, Welsby Goals: PercivalHull KR (10) 20Tries: Lewis, Davies, Gildart 2 Goals: Lewis 2 Hull KR kept up their unbeaten record in Super League this term as they inflicted a first defeat of the season on St Helens following a bruising battle at the Totally Wicked Lewis marked his return to action with an early Hull KR try but Saints hit back after 30 minutes when Curtis Sironen touched Davies tipped the game back in the visitors' favour with a dive to the corner shortly before half-time, and they padded out their lead through Oliver Gildart's pair of tries within two Welsby went over to bridge the gap for the hosts but it was too little too late as Hull KR claimed a statement two points and moved to the top of the a season filled with so many high-quality games, this fixture between two hotly tipped rivals did not were shown their first real test having set the pace with some classy performances in 2025, but Hull KR's resolute defence and blistering attack showed their credentials for another run at silverware this to follow. St Helens: Welsby; Feldt, Robertson, Percival, Bennison; Sailor, Lomax; Walmsley, D Clark, Delaney, Sironen, Batchelor, Whitley, Paasi, Wingfield, KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess; Lewis, May; Sue, McIlorum, Waerea-Hargreaves, Hadley, Batchelor, Litten, Luckley, Whitbread, Jack Smith.