Paul Wellens
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| Image:Paulwellens.jpg | ||
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Paul Wellens | |
| Date of birth | February 02, 1980 | |
| Place of birth | St Helens, England | |
| Height | 6ft 1in | |
| Nickname | Wello | |
| Position | Full Back | |
| Professional clubs* | ||
| 1998-2007 | St Helens | 234(108) |
| National team | ||
| ?-2007 | Great Britain | ?(?) |
|
* Professional club appearances and (tries) |
||
Paul Wellens (born February 27, 1980) is a rugby league player who plays in the position of Full back. The former De La Salle pupil broke through the St Helens RFC ranks to make his debut in 1999. Success quickly followed and Wellens soon secured his place in what was a strong team. Known for his dependability and all round game, Wellens steadily gained admirers throughout the sport with consistently sturdy performances, showing maturity beyond his years.
An England call up followed and with full back Kris Radlinski already established at international level, Wellens displayed his versatility with spells on the wing and at centre. A call up for Great Britain ensued, and made a handful of appearances before being contentiously left out by then coach David Waite who felt Wellens’ form had dipped during this period. With a point to prove, Wellens has been one of Super League’s most notable performers since and has made the number 1 jersey his own for his country, partly due to the semi retirement of Kris Radlinski.
His attitude and aptitude to the game has seen him earn a reputation as a model professional and while he is considered less glamorous than some of his colleagues, Wellens earned the player of the season award at St Helens in 2004 to underline his value at Knowsley Road, establishing himself as one of the fans favourites. If Wellens had proven himself a leading light in the game thus far, 2006 was to be a remarkable season that would see him stand alone as Super League’s finest. In a season that would see St Helens collect all three major honours at domestic level, Wellens' own form was to be rewarded with a handful of individual accolades, including Rugby League Writers' Association player of the year, Super League players' player of the year and the prestigious Man of Steel Award. Wellens also attained the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match against Hull FC at the end of season Grand Final.
