Moore returns to Saints with extended deal (From St Helens Star)

Moore returns to Saints with extended deal

10:48am Thursday 22nd October 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

ENGLAND hooker Scott Moore is returning to Knowsley Road next season after signing a new deal which will keep him at Saints until the end of 2012.

The 21-year-old former Blackbrook junior, who has been out on loan for the past two seasons at Castleford and Huddersfield, has developed his game immensely through the extra game time he has been allowed.

Leigh-born Moore made his debut as a 16-year-old at the end of 2004 and in the subsequent three seasons made just 18 appearances in the red vee, mostly from the bench.

Initially a half back, Moore returns as a fully-fledged international hooker who has benefitted particularly this year from the tutelage of Huddersfield’s coach of the year and former NRL hooker Nathan Brown.

With Keiron Cunningham also agreeing to stay on for one final season Moore will have another season in the number nine finishing school.

There will be plenty of competition too, with fellow international James Roby also in the ranks, meaning Saints will go in to the season with three quality hookers.

Moore said: “I’m more than happy to be back at St Helens and to commit at least the next three years to them.

“I’m particularly looking forward to playing again with all my mates who came up through the Academy with me and who the club are now giving first team experience to.

“We’ve got to get some silverware back in the cabinet next season and I can’t wait to give it my best shot.”

Moore’s returns is perhaps reassuring to those other young Saints players out on loan that there is always a way back should their performances merit it.

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus said: “Scott has benefitted greatly from his loan period away from the club which resulted in regular Super League experience and returns as one of the top hookers in the game and as an England international at 21.

“Next year is Keiron Cunningham’s final year and it is a great position for us to be in having James Roby and Scott Moore thereafter - again it’s a testament to our Academy system, through which all three international hookers have come.”

Moore is expected to start for England in Friday’s opening Four Nations game against France at Doncaster.

Although the team had not been named at the time of going to press, James Graham and James Roby will also be in the 17, and England boss Tony Smith may reward exciting youngster Kyle Eastmond’s versatility with a place on the bench.

Jon Wilkin is the other Saint in the 24-man Four Nations squad.

A RUGBY league forum that forms part of Paul Wellens’ Testimonial will take place on Monday, October 26.

Guests at the event held in De La Salle School at 7.15pm, will include Wellens, Leon Pryce, James Lowes, Anthony Sullivan and Chris Joynt.

£8 tickets are available from Martin Blondel on 07971792859.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)