St Helens' Jon Bennison talks about Jack Welsby rivalry and Grand Final re-match

02 March 2023 , 22:00

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St Helens' Jon Bennison in 2022 Grand Final (Image: PA)

St Helens' Jon Bennison expects Leeds Rhinos to unleash all their pent-up Grand Final frustrations on Friday night.

The newly-crowned World Club champions face winless Rhinos for the first time since downing them at Old Trafford. Young full-back Bennison, 20, scored that night as they made it a four-peat and he recollected: “It was incredible. On the field Tommy (Makinson) is running back towards their fans and I just couldn’t believe it had happened.

“It took a while to sink in. I can’t really put my finger much on what happened in the game or afterwards but I definitely enjoyed myself and it’s something that will stay with me forever. The whole experience of playing at Old Trafford for the first time was amazing. The atmosphere was great and it was all a bit of a blur.

“Leeds will come out firing especially after that Grand Final defeat and the two losses they've had already. They’ll come with a point to prove and it’s nothing new but we have to be ready for it. We’ll have to weather that storm.”

But Bennison has already shown in his brief but blossoming career he’s ready for anything. He only made his senior debut 18 months ago but has gone to not only play his part in that Super League triumph but head Down Under last month for Saints’ World Club Challenge exploits. Bennison didn’t feature in the epic win over Penrith Panthers but did help beat NRL side St George Illawarra beforehand.

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St Helens' Jon Bennison scores in Super League semi-final against Salford. (Getty Images)

And he performed admirably when filling in for the injured winger Will Hopoate in Sunday’s Super League success at Castleford. Bennison, of course, prefers the No1 role but there’s a certain Jack Welsby blocking his path there. The England star, 21, looks set to be Saints’ full-back for years to come.

But Bennison insisted: “It’s good. Jack's a couple years older than me. He’s played the game longer than me and has more experience. I see that as another avenue to learn from as he can tip me up on things or I can ask him about things and basically just learn from him. That’s the name of the game really, just trying to improve every day. It's definitely a good thing for me. And I just want to play anywhere and as much as I can.”

David Craven