Since signing for St Helens from amateur side Wigan St Jude, Tommy Makinson has gone on to make 233 appearances and scored 133 tries for Merseyside club.

The 28-year-old was apart of the Red V’s 2014 and 2019 Grand Final winning teams and has represented the England national side on four occasions.

The 2020 season would see Tongan national coach Kristian Woolf take over the reins at the Saints after Justin Hollbrook returned to Australia to join the Gold Coast Titans.

One would assume that a new coach coming into a reigning champions team could prove quite difficult, however that has not been the case for the St Helens.

“It’s been an easy transition with Kristian coming in, he’s been with many great teams, even though this is his first head coach job it’s been good and he’s fitted in to our club and made it an easy transition.” Makinson revealed to Everything Rugby League.

“It is always tough starting as champions, but playing for a team like St.Helens that’s what you get, everyone wants to beat you so nothing really changes.”

During 2018, Makinson had a breakout year in the England team and after some stand out performances during the Baskerville Shield series against New Zealand, he was awarded the coveted Golden Boot for the games best International Rugby League player that year.

This lead to the his name being on everyone’s lips and he garnered some interest from NRL clubs.

However Makinson is adamant that he has always been quite content at Saints and never really entertained many offers from the NRL.

“Super League and St Helens have been great for me so I’ve never really wanted to go elsewhere when the chance has come.

“I want to be the best in my position and got a lot of rugby and time left so what the future hold who knows.”

Throughout his stellar career the back has been apart of many memorable moments, two of which stand out to him in particular.

“The best moments so far has to be the grand final last year and my first international cap.

“Firstly, all last year was fantastic playing with a great group of lads and a great coach who deserved to go out as a champion, so that was a fitting way to end.

“Then obviously playing for England just doesn’t get any better and will live with me forever.”

As someone who grew up in Manchester and plays for a Liverpool based club, Makinson has also weighed in on where his allegiance lies in the Liverpool FC v Manchester United rivalry.

“United all way.. can’t believe the season not been made null and void to stop Liverpool winning”.

One thing’s for sure, Tommy Makinson is certainly backing itching to get back on the field to defend the title with St Helens.