Wellens broke into the Saints team in 2000 and enjoyed immediate success as the club went on to win three consecutive trophies.
The local boy was an intrinsic part of their success and his form in the early part of that run earned him an England call up for the World Cup.
His performances this year only enhanced the first impression he made, although the Knowsley Road full back will have to be content with the utility tag he carried earlier in his season as he comes into the international arena.
