Teenager signs Saints deal

St Helens have given a professional contract teenage back-rower or centre Jack Ashworth, who has been playing for partner club Rochdale this season.

Ashworth, 17, is a product of Rochdale’s Service Area Programme, and previously spent time at Warrington.

He is currently studying at Hopwood Hall College, under the guidance of Hornets Head of Youth Matt Calland, who brought Ashworth to the attention of Saints development staff.

The former Oldham St Anne’s and Littleborough amateur then started training and playing for Rochdale, as part of their link-up with the Super League side.

Saints’ Under 19s head coach Derek Traynor said: “Jack stood out as an impressive athlete when he was training with the Hornets; we invited him into our system and he has worked really hard and earned his rewards.

“This is another example of the positives that can come from the partnership agreement between St Helens and the Rochdale Hornets, I’m sure that if jack continues to develop he has an exciting future ahead of him.”