KRISTIAN Woolf says he is looking forward to the future at Saints after the club confirmed that he will remain as head coach for the 2022 season.
Woolf initially signed on for two years in 2020, when he replaced Justin Holbrook, with an option of a third year in the club’s favour.
That has now been confirmed, with Woolf looking to add to the success at the club while overseeing some rebuilding and re-shaping of the top squad.
Woolf said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to stay on for another year at this great club.
“I love working with the group and they are an exceptional group of men. They work hard and their desire to win is great to be a part of.”
The past 18 months have been difficult for all against the backdrop of Covid – especially for those 12,000 miles from home - but Woolf was full of praise for the way the club and the fans have supported him and his family.
“The Club, and in particular Eamonn (McManus) and Rushy (Mike Rush) have been terrific with me and my family since I arrived.
“They have made every effort in difficult circumstances to ensure my family are happy here and that has made my decision to stay an easy one.
“Thank you also to the wonderful St Helens fans who again have made us feel so welcome and part of the St Helens community. When you are a long way from home, those things are so important.
“I am now looking forward to the future here at St Helens.”
After guiding Saints to their first Challenge Cup in 13 years, following on from last year’s Grand Final win, trophy-wise Woolf is the club’s most successful coach since Daniel Anderson.
The 46-year-old Tongan national coach has built on the legacy of Holbrook, and will now look to carry that for the remainder of this year and next season Chairman Eamonn McManus was pleased to retain the services of a coach, whose stock was sky-high on joining after guiding Tonga from 14th in the world to fourth – claiming the notable scalps of Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand in the process.
Woolf has delivered during arguably the most testing of post-war times, building on Holbrook’s 2019 achievements to back up the Grand Final success and a first Wembley win since 2008.
McManus said: “It’s no coincidence that his arrival at the club 18 months ago has already delivered us a Grand Final victory over Wigan and our first Challenge Cup victory in 13 years.
“He’s undoubtedly improved mentality, as well as outcome, and the players have reacted really well to his leadership, management and coaching skills.
“There’s no doubt that Saints will continue to be more than a force to be reckoned with under his direction going forward.
“He’s achieved all this during a very difficult and prolonged period when he and his young family have been cut off from their families back home in Australia and have been deprived of normal interaction in society in their new home in England.
“Despite this, he has committed himself totally to the challenging task at hand and with deserved success and recognition.
“I can only thank him on behalf of all at the club for his dedication and success, and am very confident that more of each now lies ahead.”
Woolf joined the club from NRL side, Newcastle Knights where he had been an Assistant Coach, and then interim Head Coach, following the departure of former Saint Nathan Brown.
All pictures: Bernard Platt
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