SAINTS skipper Paul Wellens said it was ‘inevitable’ that club legend Keiron Cunningham would be handed the coaching reins.

“I’m delighted for Keiron, a few years ago when he set out in coaching I thought it would be inevitable at some point that he would become head coach,” said Wellens, who is currently Down Under working in a coaching capacity with the England squad in the Four Nations.

“Nathan Brown has probably left a year or two earlier than expected but Keiron is a fantastic bloke and I am sure he will rise to the challenge as he did as a player.

“He understands the club, the town and the people and he’s been very much at the forefront of that culture here so it’s very exciting that Keiron will be in charge.

“He has been at the forefront of creating that culture and it is exciting for the town and the squad that Keiron will be in charge to reaffirm the standards that have been built up over the years.

“As a player, Keiron was vocal but never one to shout, rant and rave. He would get his point across and was a great leader. This came even before he was named captain.

“He was a fantastic leader as a player who always led from the front and he is able to command the respect of the players.”

The 34-year-old says that a new contract is waiting for him when he returns from England’s Four Nations campaign and is also looking ahead to pursuing a career in coaching.

“The challenge becomes greater with the World Club Challenge and a title to defend and we are looking forward to it. “I’m very keen on the coaching side of things and this with England has given me a fantastic experience. I’m ready and willing to learn.”