SAINTS are giving packman Sione Mata'utia the time he needs to make a decision on whether to take up his one-year option with the club in 2025.

The versatile 27-year-old former Newcastle Knight has been a hugely popular figure at St Helens since joining ahead of the 2021 season - and is in top form.

In three-and-a-half years in the red vee Mata'utia has played centre, second row and more recently prop scoring 16 tries from 77 appearances.

Mata'utia has been arguably Saints' best player of 2024 so far after putting his hand up to plug Saints' front row deficiencies at the start of the year.

He has yet to make a decision on his future - but Saints are very keen for him to remain at the Totally Wicked Stadium. 

Coach Paul Wellens said: "Sione has been playing brilliantly and we love him here and would desperately love him to stay.

"He has got a lot going on and a lot to figure out.

"We are very respectful of his personal situation given the fact that he's got a young family and one that's continuing to grow, with his partner Hannah being a big support for Sione as well.

"So we're respectful of their situation and what I want to do, like we did last year, is allow them the time to decide their future and be happy with the decision that they have made.

“In terms of our stance, we would love Sione to be here for next year.

“We will wait for a decision for as long as possible, within reason, and Sione understands that as well because the club needs to make decisions on recruitment and how we progress moving forward.

"But Sione is under no illusion in terms of Option One for us - and that Sione Mata’utia being a Saints player in 2025."

(Image: SWPix.com)

There is still no decision  on centre Konrad Hurrell's future, but the veteran has said that he wants to stay at Saints.

READ: Young Saints players will get opportunities they have earned>

Wellens admits that he has been impressed with the Tongan centre's form and application - and that could lead to him being offered a deal should that continue.

Wellens said: "I'm really happy with Konrad - not only his form but with his application in recent times and that's reflected in his performances in recent times.

"Konrad knows this and that's always been the challenge for him.

"If he applies himself and keeps on top of his physical fitness and that side of things then he's a really effective player for us.

"Hopefully that can continue and then something can be sorted from a contract perspective."