Aaron Smith commits long-term future to St Helens

St Helens have handed young hooker Aaron Smith a new deal until the end of the 2022 season. 

The 22-year-old, who hails from Newton-le-Willows, played for Blackbrook Royals at junior level before joining the Saints development programme at the age of 11.

Smith was part of the unbeaten Under-19s side that won the Academy League in 2016 and has made five first-team appearances for Saints.

On his new deal, Smith said: “Being a local lad, growing up in St Helens and coming watching as a kid it feels great to be able to sign on again and I can now move my career on.

“I would like to thank Eamonn McManus, Mike Rush and Justin Holbrook for having faith in me and trusting me to wear the shirt and do a job for St.Helens.

“It has also been great to train and work alongside the likes of James Roby who has helped me a lot. He has helped me develop my game and I have tried to model my game on the way he plays.

“Watching and coming through the system, there is no better role model than him and hopefully one day I become half the player he has been and have some sort of legacy within the club. That is the ultimate dream.”

Saints coach Justin Holbrook commented: “I am delighted Aaron has signed on for another three years.

“Aaron has proven this season he is a Super League player. His performances this season have shown what a bright future he has.

“He is a great young player to coach and is another product of promoting young players from our academy system.

“Aaron is learning from the best in James Roby on how the game should be played and what is required off the field to be a Saints player.”