St Helens tie down off-contract ‘emerging leader’ as contract explained

St Helens have tied down one of their ’emerging leaders’ in a deal that could keep them at the club for three more years.

Versatile forward Jake Wingfield was out of contract at the end of the 2025 season but the club have moved to secure him for 2026, whilst also adding options for him to remain beyond that.

The 24-year-old made 17 appearances in 2025, the most games he had played since his true breakthrough year in 2022 when he played 20 games.

Since then injuries have plagued Wingfield as he made just 19 appearances combined across 2023 and 2024 but this past season saw him feature more prominently.

The club, clearly wary of Wingfield’s injury past, have made the 2027 and 2028 seasons in his contract subject to him playing a certain number of appearances. That figure is undisclosed.

A St Helens statement announcing the deal explained: “This new contract takes Jake into the 2026 season with St.Helens, his seventh with the Club, with 2027 and 2028 triggered dependent upon the number of appearances he makes in the subsequent years.”

Jake Wingfield signs new contract with St Helens

Within the club’s statement, they’ve hailed Wingfield for his emergence as a young leader over recent seasons with his battle for fitness outside of the club also praised.

Speaking on his new deal, the 24-year-old said: “I’m over the moon, when I got told the Club wanted me to stay, I was buzzing and I still am. I’m just looking forward to getting stuck into next year and hopefully the two after that.

“Having come through the Academy and signing my First Team contract back in 2020, that was a massive moment for me and my family, and to still be here at an elite club six years later and going into my seventh season is massive for me.”

Explaining that the injuries had ‘shaped’ him, Wingfield spoke about his leadership journey with fellow forwards Morgan Knowles and Matty Lees setting the tone.

He said: “I’ve learned so much from players like Morgan Knowles and Matty Lees. Now, I want to take on more responsibility, help the younger lads coming through from the Academy, like Noah [Stephens] and George [Delaney], and really try to lead by example.”

Wingfield also spoke on his excitement at working under new coach Paul Rowley, stating: “Whenever a new coach comes in, everyone wants to impress, and that drives really high standards. I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas Paul brings and getting on board with that. Hopefully, he can help me take my game to another level.”

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🗨️ A young forward leader, emerging from our ranks.

He wants to help the next-gen, too. #COYS pic.twitter.com/sACQMIVmg4

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) October 22, 2025