Matty Lees commits long-term future to champions St Helens

St Helens have tied down highly sought-after prop Matty Lees to a new three-year contract extension, with the option of a fourth year.

The 24-year-old has made 95 appearances for Saints since making his first team debut in 2017. He has already won two Super League Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup.

Lees said: “I am made up. It is such a great club, the history and everything we have won over the last couple of years means I am just made up to sign again. I am looking forward to the next few years here.

“Thanks to Mike (Rush) and Eamonn (McManus) and of course Kristian Woolf and all the backroom staff who have all played their part, especially with my injuries in the past.

“It is always a worry with injuries, and it was a difficult time; but I am happy I got through that and put myself in a position where I was able to get that 10 shirt and kick on.

“Coming through the academy, it was a dream to get that starting jersey. And now I have got it, I really feel like it is going to be a good challenge for me to lead this forward pack in the years ahead.”

St Helens coach over the moon to see Matty Lees extend his stay

Lees has won two caps for England Knights on their tour of Papua New Guinea in 2018. Wayne Bennett confirmed he would have been selected for Great Britain’s tour of the southern hemisphere in 2019, only for him to be ruled out with injury.

The Rochdale-born forward was named in Shaun Wane’s first training squad of 2022. He will be hoping to push his way into Wane’s plans for the World Cup later this year.

St Helens coach Kristian Woolf said: “The retention of Matty is great for us as a club. He’s shown over the past 12 to 18 months his ability as a starting front-rower; and he has earned that spot in our team.

“He complements Alex Walmsley and Morgan Knowles really well. We also see him as having his best footy ahead of him. He is a young man as a front-rower who is only going to get better.

“He’s very athletic, very physical, and aggressive. Over the next few years I think we will certainly see the best of him.

“He will grow into a leader of our pack and continue his improvement with us.”

PODCAST: Kevin Brown previews Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup finals