St Helens head coach Kristian Woolf has paid a rich tribute to Tommy Makinson as the England winger prepares for his testimonial match against Leigh Centurions this weekend.
The defending champions will host John Duffy’s newly-promoted side at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Saturday as they gear up for the new Super League campaign.
Saints academy graduate Makinson, 29, was awarded a testimonial year for 2021 as he heads into his 10th season in the Red Vee.
He made his debut against Salford in 2011 and further etched himself into St Helens folklore when his drop-goal in last season’s Grand Final against Wigan hit the post before rookie Jack Welsby touched down the winning try after the final hooter.
In 2018, Makinson won the coveted Golden Boot after scoring a stunning hat-trick against New Zealand at Anfield to secure a Test series victory for England.
Woolf said: “Tommy is an outstanding player and the first time I saw him was that season when he won the Golden Boot.
“I hadn’t really heard too much about him prior to England playing New Zealand when he scored those three tries.
“I remember just thinking he was exceptional in that game.
“I have had the privilege of dealing with some outstanding wingers like Daniel Tupou and Dave Fusitu’a – some of the best wingers in the world.
“The reason they’re so good is that they are such big, powerful men who can jump and have all these really good things about them.
“Tommy is a completely different player but he does everything they can.
“He has great strength when he carries the ball with real intent and has a real speed and evasiveness about him.
“He’s a terrific finisher, of course, and the way he can finish is second to none.
“But the thing I love most about Tommy is the influence he has off the field as well.
“He’s just a really positive character and a terrific bloke around the group.
“He’s always happy, he’s always positive, he’s got a great strut about him and he’s a good-looking bloke!
“I love what he brings on the field but also off it too.”
Makinson has won three Grand Finals with Saints but was also forced to overcome some major injury setbacks earlier in his career.
Now he is one of the first names on Woolf’s teamsheet and the Australian added: “If you’re a front-rower, you want Tommy Makinson in your team because he takes 18 to 20 carries in every game.
“And he does them so well that he gets you on the front foot and he’s terrific to have in your team.
“I know that all our players feel the same and regard him really highly as a player but as a team-mate as well.”
