Paul Rowley sets out challenge for St Helens winger after securing new contract

St Helens winger Lewis Murphy has agreed a new three-year deal to extend his stay at the club until 2029.

Murphy, who was one of eight players to remain off-contract following the extentions of Joe Shorrocks and Alex Walmsley, has now secured his future and will be looking to replay the faith the club has showed in him.

In a quite extraordinary comeback, Murphy dislocated his elbow in the last round of the Challenge Cup in early April, but just weeks later has returned to selection contention after being named in the 21-man squad this week.

Injuries have significantly hampered Murphy’s time at the Red Vee, with him only featuring in 18 games out of a possible 45 since his arrival.

Of course, some of those will be down to selection, but at 24 years old Saints certainly see Murphy as a long-term player, and the lengthy contract suggests just that.

With Kyle Feldt out of contract at the end of the season, Murphy’s new deal could suggest the club are putting their faith in him, although Feldt has been exceptional in the Red Vee.

St Helens winger pens new deal as boss lays out target

Commenting on his new deal, Murphy said to the club website: “I’m very excited, it’s a good moment for my family and me, so I am very grateful.

“I’ve enjoyed being here a lot. I’ve had some tough moments, but every day at training, there is always someone here making the day a good one.”

Reflecting on how the club’s faith in him has helped him strive for success, he said:  “It means a lot. I’m going to show them that they made the right decision.”

That faith is something that boss Paul Rowley alluded to as well, and he has now set Murphy a challenge once he makes that return from injury.

He said: “Murph is a fantastic lad, a real athlete, and a finisher. He can do things that other players can’t, so he is exactly what we want in the team.

“I think he is a really strong signing for the club, both for now and for the future.

“We all see how much he cares for the environment he is in, for our club, and whilst he has had a period where he has been very unfortunate with injuries, we are hoping that he has better luck after this latest one.

“We want him to have a clear run and show everybody why inside the club we value him so highly.”

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