Wellens has played for St Helens his whole professional career

St Helens full-back Paul Wellens believes they have the quality to challenge for honours next season after a fruitless 2009 campaign.

"We've certainly got the ability to do well," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"That's the first time in six years that we have failed to win anything and people are surprised by that.

"It shows what's expected from us as players and what we expect from each other. Hopefully next year we can make a change and get back to winning ways."

He added: "We didn't really do ourselves justice, but that is a good sign really.

"I'm well aware there has been a bit of doom and gloom around the town and supporters that we didn't quite win anything last year."

St Helens, who were runners-up in the Super League Grand Final to Leeds in October, start their 2010 campaign at home to Hull on Saturday, 6 February 2010.

The match will also see the return of former Saints favourite Sean Long following his move to Hull in the close season.

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