St Helens’ entire philosophy is based on developing homegrown talent suitable for the first team. This commitment goes beyond just that.
Nine Grand Final victories for Saints is a Super League record, and many of their most important players came through their renowned youth system.
Consider Keiron Cunningham, who was immortalised in a bronze statue outside of the Totally Wicked Stadium as a result of his legendary exploits in the Red V.
Think about the amazing 20-year career of James Roby, the enduring careers of Tommy Makinson and Jonny Lomax, and the rise of Jack Welsby, who is currently regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
More talent is passing through St Helens’ renowned academy, which is good news for supporters. Noah Stephens, in particular, looks ready for a senior debut as soon as possible.
This is how Love Rugby League tracks the highly-regarded 19-year-old prop forward’s development.
Background
Stephens went to St. Mary’s College, a fee-paying institution regarded as one of the best in the northwest of England, while attending Crosby, a small town north of Liverpool.
Interestingly, his athletic prowess was not limited to rugby league.
Like his father had done years earlier, Stephens captained the first team while playing rugby union for St. Mary’s.
Before deciding to play rugby league and attend St Helens, he also played for a while at Sale Sharks.
Derek Traynor, the Saints academy coach who joined the team as a volunteer in 1995, says of Noah’s rugby union play, “He played to a high standard.”
“But happily, he decided to commit to us at the academy level by selecting rugby league and St Helens, which put an end to his involvement in any other sports.”
After excelling for the amateur team Pilkington Recs, Stephens was offered a scholarship by Saints at the age of 15, where he played for the Under-16 team before being accepted into the academy.
He showed off his tremendous potential in the Under-18s with several barnstorming performances, scoring six tries in the championship-winning campaign of the previous year.
Prior to being awarded a full-time contract to become a member of Paul Wellens’ senior squad at the end of the previous year, he was also chosen for the Lancashire Academy Origin team.
Stephens signed a two-year contract with a club-option for a third year.
A St Helens scout noticed Stephens’ strength and physicality while he was playing for Pilkington Recs, and he was added to the team’s scholarship programme.
Traynor continues, “Noah was just wreaking havoc while playing for Pilks in division three or four.
We went down to watch him play after receiving information about him from one of Pilks’ coaches, I believe.
“Despite being on a scholarship, Noah continued to train with us and play for his amateur club. He was always a big, thick-set boy.
“To be honest, Noah was very close to being named Player of the Season during his two years on scholarship and his few games played. He was simply outstanding.”
“Then, when he was sixteen, we signed him to a professional part-time contract at the academy.”
After spending two years in the academy until he turned eighteen, Noah joined the first team on a full-time basis.
“How would I characterise Noah’s development? Quick.
His first year on scholarship was difficult because he was expected to perform well and participated in a lot of sports at his Crosby school.
With all of his extracurricular activities and academic pursuits, he had a busy life.
“He did miss a lot of rugby during his first year at Saints, but he’s a bright young man who made great progress.”
“He considered things and then applied them in real-world gaming scenarios.”
Rugby league players from Liverpool are uncommon, but one of Maghull’s finest, Saints legend James Graham, was among the best of his generation.
Reluctant to draw comparisons between the two, Traynor states: “Jammer was a big boy and an enforcer type of character in addition to being obviously extremely talented.”
Noah’s greatest assets are his powerful carries and quick legs. He also now has a strong engine.
“His endurance and stamina have increased, making him more of a big ball player—similar to Agnatius Paasi.
“Noah is a quiet and intelligent young man, but as you get to know him, you’ll find that he’s also funny. He’s a wonderful young man.
Since Stephens arrived at St. Helens, Traynor has assisted in providing him with careful nurturing, and the adolescent is getting closer to receiving a senior bow.
However, he also emphasised that in addition to his obvious natural talent, there is still room for growth.
Stephens finished his A-Levels last year and may eventually pursue part-time study towards a degree.
He is entirely focused on becoming a full-fledged member of the first team squad for the time being, though.
Noah is incredibly quick for a big boy, and as Traynor notes, carries the ball well is a key component of his skill set.
He is incredibly intelligent, devoted, and eager to learn.
“I am aware that while Noah was training with the first team, he gained a lot of knowledge from working with Alex Walmsley.
Although it’s not a weakness, I would say Noah needs to improve in terms of playing at the first team’s speed, understanding how to play the game, and making decisions at that intensity.
Super League moves quickly, so you have to get used to that level of play.
“Noah has made two appearances while on dual registration with the Swinton Lions in the Championship while playing for the Saints reserves.
“It’s not just Noah; it’s a matter of waiting patiently for his first team debut at this point.
There are currently some very good players in the system who could make the first team.
“I think this generation of young players is the best we’ve ever had, but it remains to be seen if they all go on and reach that potential.”
Player profile
Name: Noah Stephens
Date of birth: 03/10/2004
Position: Prop forward
Senior debut: N/A
Honours: Lancashire Academy
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