Kristian Woolf to leave St Helens at the end of season
St Helens have confirmed that head coach Kristian Woolf will depart the club for an opportunity in the NRL at the end of the current campaign.
Woolf, 47, was appointed the club’s head coach ahead of the 2020 season following the departure of Justin Holbrook.
He steered the club to back-to-back Super League titles in 2020 and 2021, the latter of which also included a first Challenge Cup for 13 years.
St Helens have also claimed the League Leaders’ Shield this season for the first time since 2019. They will celebrate the title following their final game of the season, at home to Toulouse next Saturday, September 3.
Kristian Woolf: ‘This has not been an easy decision’
Woolf said: “This has not been an easy decision for myself or my family, but it’s time for us to return home. We made a decision a little while ago due to personal factors that have played their part in our decision. The timing has also combined with an opportunity that has arisen in Australia.
“I have been here for three years and I have loved every minute of it. I love the club and what it has provided for both me and my family. The fans have been great with me, the passion they show and the way they support the Club is terrific.
“They have also made my family feel at home and have welcomed us into the community. On behalf of my family I want to thank them for that.
‘They have all helped me become a better coach’
“I also want to pay thanks to the St Helens board, staff and my players. It has been a privilege to work with this exceptional group of men who are all extremely driven and worked so hard to achieve the success they have.
“The hardest thing is having to leave an exceptional group who buy into what you want them to do and are great players and people. What I love about them is how they compete and have a relentless attitude every week. That is extremely hard to say goodbye to. This is the same for the staff, who are great people to work with and are all on the same page, working closely together to move in the same direction.
“They have all helped me become a better coach and whilst I am returning back home, my complete focus is ensuring I play my small part in helping this group achieve success this season.”
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