BUNTING LOOKS TO SILENCE PREMIER LEAGUE DOUBTERS
16/02/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
STEPHEN BUNTING has insisted he belongs among the elite after a frustrating start to his Premier League campaign.
‘The Bullet’ is still searching for his first win after two weeks of action and suffered more heartbreak in Antwerp when he surrendered a 4-0 lead to Jonny Clayton.
But Bunting has fired back at critics questioning his place in the line-up and reminded everyone of his standing in the game.
Speaking before the opening night, he said: “I never take myself too seriously, to be honest. I’m world No. 7; it’s not like they have just thrown me in and I am world No. 82.
“I am actually one of the top ten players in the world. I think people sometimes forget that.
“Albeit my performances haven’t been as good as I would’ve liked.
“I’ve still got a long time in my career. Hopefully another ten years in the sport to rectify people’s thinking.”
St Helens thrower Bunting admits he has not hit the heights of last year but believes the standard is still there.
He added: “The people that motivate me are my family, management, sponsors and the fans.
“I try to stay away from the negative noise and focus on the positive.
“I still think I am playing to a high standard, maybe not average-wise as I was last year.
“I have been working away from home really hard to make sure I get back to the levels I was at last year and even better.
“I think it’s important to get off to a good start. But I wouldn’t say it’s the end of the world if it doesn’t go as well as I want.”
Bunting returns to action on Monday at the Players Championship Three in Wigan.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
