MORGAN Knowles has committed his future to the champions after signing a new four-year contract that will keep him at Saints until at least the end of the 2025 Betfred Super League season.

The three-time Dream Team loose forward was due to be off contract at the end of 2022, but Saints announced this morning that the Barrovian would be extending his stay.

The 25-year-old is a graduate of the Saints Academy, with Knowles initially joining from Barrow Island as a 16-year-old after travelling down from Cumbria to play at Blackbrook Royals and undertake his scholarship training.

Given his ability to play tough, hit hard, run strongly and be an astute ball player, Knowles’ services would have been keenly sought after.

But in tying him down for four years, Saints have the opportunity to make the Cumbrian a key linchpin for the team’s development moving forward.

Knowles said: “I am really made up. I’ve really enjoyed my time here, the Club has been brilliant with me as have all the players and the staff.

“I am happy here and you can’t really put a price on that. So I am delighted to extend my stay.

“I feel really lucky and privileged to be a part of this team and this group and I want more success moving forward.”

Knowles made his debut for Saints and Wales back in 2015, with his real breakthrough coming a year later when he made 24 appearances in the red vee – slotting in at loose forward, hooker and back row.

2019 saw Knowles named in the Super League Dream Team after a stellar season in the Red Vee which resulted in him crossing for a crucial try in our Grand Final victory over Salford.

Knowles' energy and power played a crucial part in Saints’ back to back Grand Final success, earning himself the Saints Player of the Year Award and he was also named in the Super League Dream Team for the second successive season.

Last season Knowles was again named in the Super League Dream team for the third straight season.

He then switched his international alliance to England in 2020, making a try scoring debut for Shaun Wane’s men.

In total Knowles has made 149 appearances for the Saints and his strong form has been rewarded with a long-term contract extension.

Chairman Eamonn McManus commented: “It is tremendous news for St.Helens, Super League, England and Great Britain that Morgan has committed to a long term contract with the Club.

“He is already the best loose forward in Super League and has three Grand Finals and one Challenge Cup win to his credit. But he has his best years, of which there will be many, yet to come.

“Besides his immense contribution to us as a leading player in a pivotal position, he is also going to be a crucial to help lead the evolution of the next generation St Helens team, which aims to continue our success and to uphold our values and history.

“A great Christmas present to all and a great boost to our hopes and ambitions in 2022 and beyond.”

Head Coach Kristian Woolf added: “Morgan is an exceptional signing for the Club. He is a real stand-out player for us in the way he performs and competes every week. He has a unique skill-set where he can play with the footy, but also has that ruthless and tough competitive style.

“If you ask through our playing squad and the majority of players in the competition, he would be someone who they mention and respect. He is a real key player and figure for our team and is a real leader and leads by example both on and off the field.”