Paul Simon Wellens (born 27 February 1980) is an English multi-award–winning rugby league footballer. Wellens plays for St. Helens in the European Super League. Wellens is a Great Britain and England international. He has played for St Helens his whole career, operating almost exclusively at Fullback.
[edit] Early career
Born in St Helens, Merseyside, Wellens attended De La Salle School St Helens along with his twin sister Claire. Wellens broke through the St. Helens ranks to make his debut in the 1999 season. Success quickly followed and Wellens soon secured his place in perhaps St Helens strongest era. Wellens is renowned for his all round game, excelling particularly at taking catches. His reliability and consistent performances steadily gained admirers, showing maturity beyond his years.
[edit] International debut
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 he made a handful of appearances before being contentiously left out by then coach David Waite, who felt Wellens' form had dipped during this period.
[edit] 2000 to 2002
[edit] 2003 to 2005
With a point to prove, Wellens became one of Super League's most notable performers and made the number 1 jersey his own at international level. His attitude and aptitude to the game earned him a reputation as a model professional. As one of the quieter members of a squad littered with big names and personalities, it was all the more creditable that Wellens earned St. Helens player of the season award in 2004 to underline his value at Knowsley Road, establishing himself as one of the fans' favourites.
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 the Rugby League Writers' Association player of the year, Super League players' player of the year and the prestigious Man of Steel Award.
Wellens was also awarded the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match against Hull in the Super League XI Grand Final.
Wellens representing England
In 2007 Wellens continued his form, but added another dimension to his game by becoming one of the league's top try scorers. This was highlighted in the Millennium Magic weekend victory against rivals Wigan Warriors, in which Wellens bagged four tries. He was named in the end of season Super League Dream Team for the third season running. He also became joint winner of the Lance Todd Trophy award in the 2007 Carnegie Challenge Cup final against the Catalans Dragons at Wembley Stadium, sharing the prize with Leon Pryce.
In the 2008 Challenge Cup Final, Wellens retained the Lance Todd Trophy award.
[edit] 2009 to current
In January 2009, Wellens played in his own testimonial match against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. In 2011, Wellens was named joint captain alongside James Graham.
[edit] Player Awards
Only three players have won the Lance Todd Trophy, Harry Sunderland Trophy, and the Man of Steel Award, they are: George Nicholls, Joe Lydon, and Paul Wellens.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Persondata |
| Name |
Wellens, Paul |
| Alternative names |
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| Short description |
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| Date of birth |
27 February 1980 |
| Place of birth |
St Helens, Merseyside |
| Date of death |
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| Place of death |
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