St Helens coach steps down with immediate effect 24 hours before huge derby

Super League side St Helens announced head coach Paul Rowley has stepped down from his position with immediate effect.

Rowley had been in the post less than a year and leaves the role before St Helens are due to take on rivals Wigan Warriors on Friday.

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Assistant coach Eamon O’Carroll will take charge on an interim basis until a replacement is found.

‘Extremely difficult’ decision

“I would like to thank Paul for his commitment and extreme hard work as our Head Coach,” St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus said.

“He will always be warmly welcomed at the Club.

“The decision was an extremely difficult one for all concerned, and we fully recognise the extra challenges that Paul faced with us this particular season.

“We as a club must now look forward and do all within our powers to preserve our position as the most successful club in the history of Super League and to restore our position as a silverware contender going forward.”

The club statement also noted Rowley ‘navigated an unprecedented injury crisis during his tenure’.

Saints will now conduct a ‘thorough process to identify a permanent successor’.

Rowley departs St Helens with the club sitting sixth in the Super League, the final play-off position, and six points behind league leaders Leeds Rhinos.

The 17-time Super League champions have never missed the competition’s play-offs.

Rowley’s rocky Saints tenure

Rowley was appointed last November after leaving Salford Red Devils, who finished last in the Super League.

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However, Rowley struggled to find rhythm during his time in charge of Saints, although a string of injuries did not help.

The 51-year-old oversaw a brutal 46-0 loss at the hands of Toulouse earlier in July, marking the first time St Helens had been scoreless at home in 46 years.

Rowley departs St Helens with a record of 15 wins and eight defeats.

As for O’Carroll, his first match as interim boss is away to Wigan Warriors at the Brick Community Stadium on Friday.

The Warriors sit second in the Super League and four points ahead of St Helens.