A TRIAL has paid off handsomely for a hooker who has been promoted to Saints’ first team.

Jake Burns, 23, is now on a full-time contract and a part of Paul Wellens’ 2024 top-flight squad after impressing as part of the club’s reserves side over the past two seasons.

Yet just under two years ago he was playing open-age amateur rugby league.

“I’m over the moon and thankful for the opportunity, I just can’t wait to get started now,” said Burns.

“When I got asked to come in for a three-month trial back in January 2022, I was just playing open age at the time and I thought ‘Why not give it a go?’

“Thankfully, the club wanted to keep me on a reserves contract for the year and that was extended for the 2023 season as well. So to now be offered a full-time contract feels really special.”

He was spotted playing open-age rugby league with Halton Farnworth Hornets.

During his trial, Burns caught the eye with his work ethic and finished 2022 as Saints’ Reserves Player of the Year.

This season his continuing hard work led to him stepping into the first-team training squad and he spent time on loan with North Wales Crusaders, for whom he started at hooker in their run to the League One Play-Off Final.

The former Widnes Moorfield Tigers junior is raring to go with his jump to the elite level and to learn from some of the very best in Super League.

“I’m excited to take the leap, it is something you dream of when you’re a kid – to get that chance,” he said.

“It’s exciting to be able to work with the likes of Daryl (Clark), he’s a new face and I’m looking to learn off him.

“From the time I’ve been in with the lads already, it has been great, they all work really hard, so hopefully by being around them more I’ll thrive and fit right in.”

Saints head coach Paul Wellens added: “Jake has shown fantastic application since coming into the club as part of our reserves side.

“Since then he’s focused on improving his game and becoming a full-time player will certainly go a long way to doing that, as will working alongside the likes of Daryl Clark and Moses Mbye.

“We always want good people to be part of our playing group, and Jake fits that bill 100 per cent.

“We’ve enjoyed working with him when he’s come into the first-team environment, and will continue doing so in 2024.”