SAINTS scrum half Lewis Dodd has extended his contract with the club which means he will be in the red vee for at least another two seasons.

There is a further option attached to the half back’s contract which could see an extension of the deal up until the end of the 2026 campaign.

Dodd is currently out for the season with the Achilles injury he sustained on Good Friday, but prior to that he had been the star half back of Super League scoring seven tries from 10 games and forcing his way into the England's World Cup training squad.

With pace, nimble footwork and a varied kicking game in his locker, Dodd has caught many a defence off guard since taking over the scrum half berth from Theo Fages after last year’s Wembley.

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He has also taken to the role of bossing around the more experienced players like a duck to water. 

His extension comes hot on the heels of Jack Welsby signing up for a longer stay – players Saints can build their team around.

Lewis Dodd's comments after signing new St Helens deal

Dodd said: “I love this club, this town, this team and the staff involved so it was quite an easy decision.

“I want to thank my family, Academy boss Derek Traynor and of course Head Coach Kristian Woolf who have shown a lot of faith in me.

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“To be given the number 7 shirt was a very proud moment for me and my family. Some special people have worn that shirt and it is one that comes with a lot of prestige, so it isn’t something I took lightly.

“I am now on the road to recovery and looking forward to the future.

“My job now is to get myself fit for next season and that is what I will be doing. Hopefully I will be back out with the boys soon.”

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Head Coach Kristian Woolf said: “Doddy is an exceptional signing for the Club. At the back end of last year and this season I believe he was the form half back.

“The likes of Jonny Lomax, Jack Welsby and Morgan Knowles are all quality homegrown Academy graduates and that 1, 6, 7 and 13 combination really complement each other well.

“Doddy fits the type of person we want at this Club too. He is a young man who will only improve and I believe he has the potential to grow into the best half back in the comp.

“He is at the best Club for his development and the length of the deal is a show of faith from both the Club and Doddy himself.”

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The 20-year-old Widnesian joined the Saints’ Academy from Farnworth Halton Hornets in 2017 and quickly made his mark in the Scholarship system scoring five tries in nine games before a year later he improved again scoring 8 times in just 7 games.

During the 2019 season, Dodd broke through as a real potential star, leading the Academy to the Grand Final, whilst scoring 21 times in 25 matches and scoring 116 goals during the process.

His impressive form saw him called up to the England Academy squad and received a first team squad number for the 2020 campaign.

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Dodd has since gone from strength to strength and is working hard on his rehab to ensure he returns to full fitness next season.