St Helens boss Rowley leaves club day before derby

St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has stepped down from his position with immediate effect, less than a year into the role. The 51-year-old joined the club before the 2026 season, having previously taken charge at Salford Red Devils, ending his tenure there after their financially-challenged 2025 campaign. Since joining Saints, the club have struggled for form and, with an injury crisis, are currently sixth in the table and six points behind leaders Leeds Rhinos. They have also lost six of their past 10 games in all competitions. Rowley's departure was announced prior to Friday's derby against Wigan Warriors. Chairman Eamonn McManus said the decision was extremely difficult for all concerned, acknowledging the extra challenges Rowley faced this season. He added that the club must now look forward to preserve its position as the most successful club in Super League history and restore its status as a silverware contender. Assistant coach Eamon O'Carroll will take over on an interim basis. O'Carroll, a former Ireland international, played for Wigan, Hull FC and Widnes before coaching with the Vikings. He has had multiple spells as assistant at Catalans Dragons and has also been head coach at Newcastle Thunder and Bradford Bulls.