Wellens, Meli and Clough sign new deals at Saints (From St Helens Star)

Wellens, Meli and Clough sign new deals at Saints

3:51pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in Latest News

A TRIO of Saints have signed new contracts with the club.

Captain Paul Wellens has re-signed for one year as has New Zealand International winger Francis Meli whilst utility forward Paul Clough has put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

“It’s great to go into the Play Offs with three key signings for next year settled,” Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus said. “Paul Wellens is playing as well as ever and is the ultimate ambassador for the Club.

“Likewise, Francis Meli is on top of his game and provides real experience in an otherwise youthful back line.

“Paul Clough is a real Trojan and it’s good to sign him through to his Testimonial season in 2014/15.”

Wellens, 32, has made 433 appearances for the Club and is on track for one of his most successful seasons to date.

With 23 tries in 2012 he is Saints’ top try-scorer as well as being ever-dependable in defence.

Francis is closing in on his 200th game for Saints and has scored 126 tries in the Red Vee.

Since making his debut in 2006 against Harlequins RL, he has been one of the Club’s go-to players and is capable of switching to the centre and adding ‘grunt’ when clearing his lines.

Paul Clough, 24, is one of Saints most reliable forwards.

In 169 appearances his dedication to the Red Vee has never wavered and he’s matured into a real all-round forward with a good eye for a pass.