SAINTS’ 2020 Super League Grand Final match-winner Jack Welsby says he is “buzzing” after signing a three-year contract extension which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Still only 20, the former Shevington and Blackbrook junior has forced his way into the Saints 17 in a number of positions since making his debut towards the end of the 2018 campaign.

Last season he jumped in at full back, wing, centre and stand off – and long before his Grand Final- winning exploits Welsby’s hard work, attitude and skillset were making it impossible for the coach to leave him out.

St Helens Star:

Welsby, who first joined Saints’ Academy set-up in 2014, said: "I am buzzing to sign another extension at this club.

“I love it here and I am delighted to get this deal over the line so I can concentrate on my rugby again.

"I had a great season last season, topped off in the best possible way with the way the Grand Final ended both for me personally, but more importantly the club.

“This extension is the cherry on top, but I am now fully concentrating on the season ahead and trying to achieve more success with this special group.

“It is a group which I am very grateful to be a part of."

St Helens Star:

Last year injuries to Lachlan Coote, Tommy Makinson and Mark Percival saw Welsby jump in 17 times last season.

He has shown similar versatility in 2021, but has grown in confidence off the back of his Grand Final exploits.

His well-taken try in last week’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull followed a maiden hat-trick on the wing against the same opponents the previous week.

St Helens Star:

So far he has scored 19 tries from 40 appearances in the red vee – and continues to earn the plaudits of his coach who has hailed him as a potentially a future leader.

“Jack is an outstanding young player who has come through the St Helens system and is one of our own,” Kristian Woolf said.

“He has a terrific skill set and great knowledge of the game and he always wants to learn and get better.

“What I love about him is he competes in whatever position he plays. He just makes it work.

“Jack is clearly going to be a real feature for the Saints moving forward and has the potential to take on a leadership role within the club in the future."

St Helens Star:

Chairman Eamonn McManus added: "It’s tremendous news that Jack has extended his contract with us.

"He continues to improve and is already very much an established player in the Saints team at the age of 20. Besides his obvious rugby talents, he has an admirable attitude and temperament.

"There’s no doubt that he will continue to improve and go on to be a key player at the Saints for many years to come."