Daryl Clark: St Helens move confirmed with Warrington Wolves star signing long-term deal

Super League champions St Helens have signed hooker Daryl Clark from Warrington Wolves on a three-year deal from 2024.

The 30-year-old, a former Man of Steel, will play the rest of this season with Warrington before making a move to Saints on a deal to the end of the 2026 campaign.

England international Clark has made 341 career appearances, winning the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield in the process.

On joining St Helens, Clark said: “I’m very excited, I’ve been at Warrington for a long time so I’m looking forward to a new challenge and a fresh start.

“The club doesn’t need much selling, it sells itself. I’ve had some big contests with Saints over the years and I know how iconic the club is.

“It’s a team littered with quality players and some I’ve known through years at England camps.”

Daryl Clark a like for like replacement for James Roby

Clark will be like for like replacement for club legend James Roby, who will hang up his boots at the end of the season after an illustrious career.

On taking over the hooking duties from Roby, Clark said: “James has been at Saints for a long time and what he has achieved at the club has been massive so it’s going to be big shoes to fill, but I believe if I’m playing my best and most consistent rugby I can add value to the team.

“I’ve watched a lot of Cunningham and Roby over the years, I know what they have achieved at the club and the heights that they’ve hit.

“I truly believe if I can get to my best rugby I can add plenty of value and do the shirt justice. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.”

Paul Wellens delighted with St Helens’ new addition

Clark, who won the Man of Steel whilst with hometown club Castleford in 2014, has represented Great Britain and England on the international stage.

Saints coach Paul Wellens says he is delighted to welcome two-time Super League Dream Team member Clark to The Totally Wicked Stadium for 2024 and beyond.

Wellens said: “Daryl is a player I have long admired and a player whom I’ve also got to work with during my time with England as well.

“Not only is he a great player but he is a great person too and I think he will really fit into what we are about as a group, and I’m sure he will add a lot to our team next year and moving forward. Can’t wait to start working with him.

“I think Daryl wanted a fresh challenge, something a bit different and when we were made aware he would potentially want to come and join us too, we had no hesitation in going to get the deal done.

“I think it suits both us the club and Daryl himself and I know he will settle in really well with our playing group.”

Wellens wants Clark to play to his own strengths

On Daryl Clark taking over from Roby, Wellens added: “I always said when Keiron Cunningham retired there was no point trying to replace him, but we had James Roby there.

“What James Roby has done well for the whole of his career is just be himself, and go out there playing to his strengths and that will be the same for Daryl.

“When Daryl plays to his strengths and consistently well, I don’t think there’s a better #9 in the competition, so it will be great to have him on board.”

READ NEXT: Every Super League player out of contract at end of 2023