PAUL Wellens says there are no better hookers in Super League when Daryl Clark is at his best.

And that is the aim from 2024 onwards – getting the best out of the 30-year-old in a Saints shirt on a regular basis over the coming seasons.

A deal has been signed to bring the England number nine to the Totally Wicked Stadium for three years, as the replacement for retiring Saints icon James Roby.

When asked about Clark following Roby as a Saints hooker, Wellens urges Clark to keep playing to his own strengths.

“I always said when Keiron Cunningham retired there was no point trying to replace him, but we had James Roby there,” said Wellens.

“What James Roby has done well for the whole of his career is just be himself, and go out there playing to his strengths and that will be the same for Daryl.

“When Daryl plays to his strengths and consistently well, I don’t think there’s a better nine in the competition, so it will be great to have him on board.”

Wellens has history of working with Clark before, providing him with valuable insight into the player behind the scenes.

“Daryl is a player I have long admired and a player whom I’ve also got to work with during my time with England as well,” said Wellens.

"Not only is he a great player but he is a great person too and I think he will really fit into what we are about as a group, and I’m sure he will add a lot to our team next year and moving forward. I can’t wait to start working with him.

“I think Daryl wanted a fresh challenge, something a bit different, and when we were made aware he would potentially want to come and join us too, we had no hesitation in going to get the deal done.

“I think it suits both us, the club and Daryl himself and I know he will settle in really well with our playing group.”