Lewis Dodd commits long-term future to St Helens

St Helens half-back Lewis Dodd has agreed a contract extension to keep him at the club until the end of 2026.

Dodd, 20, had his breakthrough year last season, making 21 appearances and helping Saints to a Super League and Challenge Cup double.

He started 2022 in fine form, but had his year cruelly cut short by an Achilles injury after scoring seven tries in 10 games.

Head Coach Kristian Woolf said: “Doddy is an exceptional signing for the Club. At the back end of last year and this season I believe he was the form half back.

“The likes of Jonny Lomax, Jack Welsby and Morgan Knowles are all quality homegrown Academy graduates and that 1, 6, 7 and 13 combination really complement each other well.

“Doddy fits the type of person we want at this Club too. He is a young man who will only improve and I believe he has the potential to grow into the best half back in the comp.

“He is at the best Club for his development and the length of the deal is a show of faith from both the Club and Doddy himself.”

READ MORE: Lewis Dodd: I’m the luckiest lad in the world

Dodd joined Saints from Halton Farnworth Hornets in 2017 and led the club’s academy to the Grand Final in 2019.

He made his Super League debut the following year, scoring his first try against Wigan.

Dodd added: “I love this club, this town, this team and the staff involved so it was quite an easy decision.

“I want to thank my family, Academy boss Derek Traynor and of course Head Coach Kristian Woolf who have shown a lot of faith in me.

“To be given the number 7 shirt was a very proud moment for me and my family. Some special people have worn that shirt and it is one that comes with a lot of prestige, so it isn’t something I took lightly.

“I am now on the road to recovery and looking forward to the future. My job now is to get myself fit for next season and that is what I will be doing. Hopefully I will be back out with the boys soon.”