SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook has explained what he saw in Paul Wellens to prompt him to promote him to an assistant coach’s role in the off season.

Wellens joined Holbrook’s coaching team which already featured assistants Jamahl Lolesi and Sean Long.

And he was brought on board with specific jobs to do to suit his skill and experience.

Holbrook said: “He has always been a great leader at the club and set some great standards with his work ethic.

“That was the reason I pushed to keep him in the coaching ranks.

“All his experience from his playing career has helped him do a lot of work with our back five players.

“On top of that is his work in developing the players outside of our top 17 which I see as a really key role.

“Because we don’t have regular reserves they have to be constantly have to be upskilling their training so if they are needed they are ready to go.

“Wello as the perfect guy to cover the young ones coming through, because he knows what it takes to get there and has the experience of being the positional player that he was and that allows him to work with our backfield.

“For him to juggle those two areas is perfect fit from a coaching point of view.

“We have a really good mix with the coaching staff - with ex-players like Jamahl and Sean – and what they all bring to the group.

“And I think that is showing with the way the boys are playing, so I am really happy with that and everyone’s role. Wello is doing a great job in his.”