Three players St Helens could sign to replace NRL-bound Lewis Dodd

According to reports in Australia, St Helens are set to lose key man Lewis Dodd to South Sydney Rabbitohs, leaving the Red Vee facing a predicament of who will partner Jonny Lomax in 2025.

Dodd has been a key part of St Helens’ success in recent years. He famously kicked the winning drop goal in the 2023 World Club Challenge success against NRL champions, Penrith Panthers, and that’s not gone unnoticed down under with reports of his signing being met with Dodd labelled as the “best seven in Super League”.

The news that Dodd is reportedly set to move down under for 2025 means that St Helens will need to find his replacement and their recruitment department will now kick into overdrive.

With that in mind, here are three potential replacements Saints could look to fill the gap left by their 22-year-old playmaker.

Kieran Foran

New Zealand International, Kieran Foran has had a glittering NRL career, and remains a regular at Gold Coast Titans. He made his debut for Manly Sea Eagles in 2009 and remained there for six years, before moving to Parramatta Eels in 2016. Since then, he has had spells with the New Zealand Warriors and Canterbury Bulldogs before returning to Manly in 2021.

Foran won the 2011 NRL title with Manly, and captained New Zealand to their 2014 Four Nations win. His contract with the Titans will expire at the end of the season though, and he is yet to agree an extension.

The Kiwi is a close friend of ex-Catalans Dragons player, Mitchell Pearce, and hehas spoken in the past about being open to a move to Super League at the end of his career. St Helens will also potentially have quota spots available to bring in a player from overseas.

Konrad Hurrell and Waqa Blake’s contracts are up at the end of the season whilst ione Mata’utia is also potentially out of contract at the end of the year. However, the Saints do have a one-year option to extend his deal for 2025.

Now may be the perfect time for Foran to make the move to one of Super League’s top sides.

Marc Sneyd

Marc Sneyd has been one of Super League’s most consistent performers over the last 10 years. He was instrumental in taking Castleford to the Challenge Cup final in 2014, where they lost to Leeds Rhinos. Two years later, Sneyd won the Lance Todd Trophy for his performance as Hull FC beat Warrington Wolves in the Wembley showpiece.

Sneyd’s form has continued this year, and he has played a crucial role in helping Salford defy expectations. The Red Devils appeared set for a difficult season, but are in contention for the play-offs after a strong start.

The club has struggled financially, and Sneyd’s contract expires at the end of the 2024 season. He has demonstrated that he can guide his teams to silverware and deserves a shot at a top-four club. Like Dodd, Sneyd favours his left foot, and is a perfect fit for Dodd’s old role whilst also bringing an excellent goal-kicking record.

Jordan Abdull

Jordan Abdull has flattered to deceive at times in recent years, mainly due to injury, but is undoubtedly a player with huge potential. Willie Peters spoke highly of Abdull when he signed a contract extension at Craven Park until 2026. However, Peters did not prevent Abdull from leaving ahead of the 2024 season. Abdull moved to the south of France, joining the Catalans Dragons on a season-long loan.

Abdull’s deal in Perpignan expires at the end of the season but it’s been made clear by Hull KR that they’re willing to allow Abdull to leave permanently at the end of the season. Abdull’s spell in Perpignan has been disrupted by a hamstring injury, after making a strong start. Les Dracs are yet to announce whether they will sign Abdull permanently at the end of the season. .

Should Abdull become available, he could be a perfect fit for the St Helens. He has an excellent kicking game and plenty of Super League experience. His contrasting style would make him a perfect foil for Jonny Lomax.