After a season in the NRLW with the Parramatta Eels, Paige Travis is back at St Helens—and no one is more thrilled than her mum, Debbie. The mother-daughter bond was tested during the 26-year-old England forward's 2025 campaign Down Under, with late-night calls and long-distance support keeping them connected.

"I think I woke my mum up a million times," Travis told BBC Sport. "I'd be like, 'I need my mum,' and I'd ring her, and she'd be saying on the phone, 'It's four in the morning.'"

Debbie managed to fly out to watch her daughter play, but it was the unwavering support from afar that made the biggest impact. Being away from family—missing parties, birthdays, christenings, and even Christmas—was tough, but Travis knew the sacrifice was worth it. "When you're there doing what you love and what you've always wanted to do, you think, I'll suck it up for now because this is why I want to be here," she said.

With her partner by her side, Travis embraced the challenge of competing against the world's best, growing both as a person and an athlete. Now, she's back at St Helens, ready to spearhead a return to silverware after a barren 2025. As the Super League season kicks off this weekend, Saints fans can expect a player who has sharpened her skills, deepened her resilience, and is hungrier than ever.

Travis first fell in love with rugby at Littleborough Rugby Union, but it was in rugby league where she truly thrived. Her athleticism, controlled aggression, and natural skill made her a standout for St Helens and England. After a year in the elite NRLW competition, she returns with new insights—and a mother who couldn't be prouder to have her back home.