Wellens closes on one-year deal and eyes coaching role (From St Helens Star)

Paul Wellens closes on one-year deal and eyes coaching role at St Helens

11:54am Thursday 9th August 2012 in Latest News

PAUL Wellens is close to agreeing a one year contract extension with his hometown club – and hopes to follow Keiron Cunningham by one day joining the coaching staff.

The 32-year-old skipper has been at the heart of Saints’ recovery from their early season struggles and is top scorer, with 18 tries.

Speaking ahead of the Warrington defeat, he told the Star: "I have spoken with the chairman (Eamonn McManus) and I’m pretty close to agreeing another one year extension. “Hopefully something will be announced pretty soon.

“I have no designs to move anywhere else – and hopefully I’ll see my career out at the club.

“One year rolling contracts are the sensible option for the club and for myself – I don't want to commit too far down the track to the point where I may let someone down “At the moment I’m happy with my game and my role.

“It’s a pleasure to play in and lead this team – and I still think there is a lot of improving in us.”

Looking further down the line, Wellens has held detailed talks with McManus, a chairman keen to have a St Helens-born spine within Langtree Park, about how his career will develop.

He added: “I’m very keen to be involved in coaching when I retire.

“Initially I’d like to be involved with youth development. I think being a St Helens lad and having come through the youth system, I understand the pressures of what is required to develop as a player, so it is an area I would be well suited to.”