Sione Mata’utia future admission made amid St Helens quota conundrum

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens has provided an update on some of his players, as their contracts near an end.

One such player is Jon Bennison, who hasn’t had many opportunities this season despite being a key member of the side towards the end of 2022 and during 2023.

Since starting eight of the first nine games of the current Super League season, he’s only featured twice since, with one of those features being from the bench.

Tee Ritson, Waqa Blake and Tommy Makinson have all been given more opportunities this year, but with the latter being banned for the next two games, this week could be Bennison’s chance to show that he deserves an extension to his contract, which is up at the end of this year.

Via Love Rugby League, Wellens said in a press conference: “Jon’s outstanding – he’s a player everyone loves and respects.

“It’s been a tough few weeks for Jon and he’s been disappointed to not get an opportunity, but he trains brilliantly and his standard levels have never waned one bit.

“He’s shown he’s too good for that level (reserves) and he certainly comes back into contention this week.”

St Helens contract update with quota player free to leave

Tristan Sailor and Kyle Feldt have both signed from NRL for next year, meaning the side will have two new players occupying quota spots.

However, Saints already had all seven spots full, with three of those taken up by players whose contracts are up after 2024.

That’s Konrad Hurrell, Sione Mata’utia and Waqa Blake – with all except Blake having a one-year extension option in their contracts.

The new signings mean two of the three will have to leave ahead of 2025, and Wellens has provided an update on Sione Mata’utia.

He said: “I’ve gone on record about how important he is to us and how well liked he is.

“We’d like him to stay, but he’s given a hell of a lot to this club and if a return home is what he needs for his family, we’ll support him in that decision.”