DEVELOPING home-grown talent has been something Saints have become renowned for over the years.

A rich history of producing local players, which has seen the likes of Paul Wellens, Keiron Cunningham and James Roby become modern legends, has been a cornerstone of the club’s summer-era success.

And that success story looks to be in safe hands judging by the performances of the under 19s team this season.

Currently battling it out with Wigan at the top of the Super 7s Academy table, the side have only lost two games all season with a Grand Final place a real possibility.

However, Academy coach Derek Traynor insists that is not the main benchmark by which he judges success.

“We see our season as being a massive success already because we’ve had four lads make their first-team debut,” Traynor said.

“If we can get to a point where Keiron feels they’re worth a look at, and plays them, then that’s a success for us.

“If we go and win the Grand Final that’s fantastic but it’s about getting kids through to the first team.”

This campaign has seen Morgan Knowles, Ricky Bailey and Ollie Davies handed their first senior appearances by Cunningham while ex-Bold Miners youngster Matty Fleming has caught the eye covering in the centres.

It continues a production line that saw Luke Thompson and Greg Richards break through to be part of Saints’ title-winning team of 2014 and Traynor is confident more players can make the step up.

“It’s been a competitive season and they’ve had to work for everything they’ve got and they need to be challenged every week,” added Traynor, who works with a coaching team consisting of Eric Chisnall, Paul Moluneux, Neil Kilshaw and Steve Leonard.

“Danny Richardson is doing well as a half-back which is one of the most difficult positions to play and Josh Eaves and Matty Lees are doing well, although they are young yet.

“Ade Gardner has been doing fitness with them under Matt Daniels, and the lads have responded to that.”

It was a proud moment seeing so many home-grown lads involved in last October’s Grand Final success.

“From the chairman down there’s a lot of finance, time and effort put into it,” added Traynor.

“There’s no prouder moment than watching them run out with the first team.

“In the RFL figures over the past 10 years we produce the most Super League players from our Academy, which is something we’re very proud of and want to keep going.

“With Greg and Luke, they were still eligible for the 19s last year and theirs was a rapid rise. It was amazing.”

Traynor echoed comments from Cunningham on the restrictions caused by the current lack of a reserve structure in rugby league, with the club announcing that it is supporting plans for an open-age reserve grade for 2016 [see below].

“It’s definitely a massive difficulty," he said.

"The step from 19s to first team is massive.

“Some are ready for it but not all are. We have to make calls on players far too early. Some are capable of taking that step, some need that extra two or three years’ development, especially young props and middle men.

“Having that stepping stone where they get a taste of playing lads who have played Super League would be a fantastic development tool.”

St Helens Star:

FLASHBACK: Keiron Cunningham's comments in last week's St Helens Star