Jamie Jones-Buchanan believes St Helens require a "big clear out" after the club missed the Super League play-offs for the first time in their history. A 48-10 defeat to Leigh Leopards confirmed Saints' seventh-place finish in the 2026 season, marking their seventh loss in ten matches. The slump follows a 28-point loss to Leeds and a 46-0 home demolition by Toulouse in July — the first time St Helens failed to score at home in a league match since 1980.

Interim coach Eamon O’Carroll will be replaced by former Brisbane Broncos and Australia head coach Kevin Walters for the 2027 season. However, recruitment decisions have drawn criticism. The club signed Shane Wright, Jacob Host, David Klemmer, Jackson Hastings, and Joe Shorrocks over the off-season, while Daniel Suluka-Fifita arrived mid-year. Departures included Konrad Hurrell, Morgan Knowles, Moses Mbye, and Joe Bennison, with Kyle Feldt released mid-season. Only Solomona Faataape has been confirmed for 2027.

Jones-Buchanan noted older players may have "stayed a bit too long" and some are playing out of position. He praised Tristan Sailor and Jack Welsby but said the "jigsaw has just not been great." Jon Wilkin added the club failed to replace talent like-for-like, making "short-term" fixes.