FORGET being crowned Man of Steel, winning the Grand Final man of the match and being named as Rugby League Writers' Association player of the year.

St Helens superstar Paul Wellens today received the ultimate accolade - glowing praise from a Wiganer.

Kris Radlinski, the Wigan and Great Britain legend, who has been succeeded as Britain's finest full-back by Wellens, has been quick to pay his own personal tribute.

Like Radlinski, Wellens 26, is a local lad made good. He, too, is modesty and professionalism personified.

Radlinski said: "Not only is Paul a wonderful player, he is also a genuine fellow and a great guy off the field - I'm made up for him.

"He just happens to be one of those players who prefers to see the team in the limelight as opposed to himself.

"He's a credit to the game and no wonder his coach Daniel Anderson thinks the world of him. Paul shows a fantastic level of consistency every time he plays.

"You can't help but admire him and it's a fantastic achievement, one I might add that is thoroughly deserved."

It was always Paul's ambition to put on the white shirt with the famous red V. His dad Harry scouted for the club, his elder brother Kevin played for Saints under the Billy Benyon regime, but it is Paul, who has really made his mark.

It's been a magical season and the best may yet follow with Great Britain for the Tri-Nations Series.

Dreams

Wellens said: "I never imagined in my wildest dreams that my career would turn out the way it has.

"This especially applies to the individual awards and it's probably only when you retire, sit down and look back, that you can say to yourself that was pretty special.

"I guess I'm fortunate to have a squad of guys around me who keep my feet on the ground and naturally it's extra special being a hometown boy, but that's not to take anything away from the other lads. I play in a great side with some great players, and I consider myself very fortunate.

"This has been a fantastic season and it's something we will all cherish for ever."

Wellens made his debut in August 1998 and has made more than 250 appearances.

He has been hailed the best full-back in the world but started out as a half-back.

He added: "Moving to full-back came about by chance but once I had the opportunity, I took a liking to it and developed my career from there."

"Former coach Ian Millward has seen the development of Wellens, and his rapid rise to the top comes as no surprise to the Australian.

"They don't call Wellens Mr Reliability for nothing," said Millward. "He is as safe as houses under the high ball, he reads a game brilliantly and if you stop to take notice you will see he is the player who gives Saints momentum and puts them on the attack with his very first touch."

JAMIE Lyon's new club Manly Sea Eagles have offered to take the place of Brisbane Broncos and play St Helens in February's World Club Challenge.

The traditional pre-season challenge match had been thrown into doubt after the Broncos said they wanted to rest several of their star players.

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