EIGHT scholars have signed pro-terms with Saints and they will be travelling to Australia next month on the club's bi-annual Academy Tour.

Derek Traynor, Head of Saints Academy, said: “Congratulations to all the players who have signed pro-terms with the club.

"They have been rewarded for their hard work and dedication in the Scholarship system and we are looking forward to seeing them progress on to the next stage in their professional development.

“The contracts are testament to not only their attitude to our sport but also hard work of their Community Clubs, coaches and families.

"We work hard to bring talent into our system and therefore I must also thank the Scholarship staff, coaches and those that go out looking for talent in the community game.

“These players are now working hard in readiness for our Tour of Australia and as the younger age bracket of the squad, will be looking to force their way into the line-up. We have no doubt they can.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how they get on and then welcoming them into our Under 19s Academy next season.”

The eight players are:

Josh Simm, aged 16, was named the Under 16s Player of the Year at Monday night’s End of Season Awards.

He has signed a three-year contract after originally joining the club from Thatto Heath and plays in the back row and at centre. He also has played for England.

Jack Welsby, 16, has agreed a three-year contract after joining the club from Blackbrook. He is a full back and half back who has also played for England.

Another Blackbrook player Matthew Foster, 16, has also signed a three-year contract. He plays in the back row and has represented England.

Brandon O’Neill, 16, has put pen to paper on a two-year contract.

He is a hooker who joined the club from Leigh Miners and Widnes Moorfield.

Jake Wingfield, 16, is a utility player from Blackbrook. He played in Parramatta’s development system under Daniel Anderson after emigrating to Australia for a short while. He has also signed a two-year contract.

Kye Siyani, 17, is a prop and back row forward. He has signed a two-year contract after coming to the club from Blackbrook.

Kian Horridge, 16, is a prop forward from Shevington who has agreed a two-year contract.

Full back Jamie Little, who is 16 and from the Blackbrook club, has signed a two-year contract.