PAUL Wellens has extended his contract at Saints until the end of the 2015 season.

Fresh from lifting the First Utility Super League title, the 34-year-old has penned a deal that will see him represent the club for the 20th season.

He joined Saints' Academy system in 1996, made his first team debut in 1998 and has gone on to play 491 times for the Red V, scoring 230 tries, 40 goals and one drop goal for 1,001 points.

‘Wello' is also named in the club's Greatest 17.

"I'm really looking forward to 2015," Paul said.

"With a World Club Challenge to look forward to, the new Super League format and a title to defend it is a very exciting time for the club.

"I'm in the very latter stages of my career and with a good crop of young players coming through my focus is on training hard and competing for a place in the team whilst also using my experience to help these young players develop further.

"This is a challenge I'm looking forward to. I'm also excited to be working with Keiron Cunningham, Jamahl Lolesi and Sean Long."

Head Coach Keiron Cunningham added: "It's great that Paul has agreed to extend his contract by another season.

"He proved his versatility in our Championship winning season by playing in many positions and performing at a high level.

"His commitment to the club is superb; he is the ultimate professional and that rubs off on all those around him. He is also keen to learn and improve, setting himself challenges to get better.

"His strong and respected relationship with the players is evident by the fact he wants to help improve Jonny Lomax' game at fullback - the position he plays in.

"That is a fantastic and unselfish example to the young players in the squad."

In his time at the club, Wellens has won two World Club Challenges, five Super League titles and five Challenge Cups as well as being part of the team that has secured the League Leaders' Shield five times.

He also won the Man of Steel and Harry Sunderland Awards in 2006 and the Lance Todd Trophy in 2007 and 2008.