St Helens secure the long term future of powerhouse prop

St Helens have secured Agnatius Paasi to the club until the end of 2025 in another smart bit of business that sustain the core of a great side under new coach Paul Wellens after Joe Batchelor signed a new deal last week.

The 30-year-old Tongan born prop had initially extended his stay at the club into the 2023 season, but has since signed a new extended deal which keeps him at the Totally Wicked Stadium for a further two years, into 2025.

Saints confirmed the signing of Paasi back in November 2020 ahead of the 2021 campaign, signing a two-year deal, with the option for a third.

Paasi played 21 times in his first Saints season, mainly off the bench, but his impact from it was crucial in Saints winning our third straight Super League Grand Final and a first Challenge Cup for 13 years.

In 2022 he made 29 appearances for the Saints, scoring two tries and was a real stand-out performer as he impressively filled the big shoes of Alex Walmsley, who had his season cut short through injury.

Paasi told saintsrlfc.com: “I am really enjoying my time here, especially my family and my kids who are all really enjoying where they are based at school.

“The last few years were special, winning the Challenge Cup and the Grand Final and then to win another Super League title, I am certainly happy where I am and I’m happy for this town and I just cant wait for next year.”

Head Coach Paul Wellens added: “For Iggy to decide that he wants to stay here at the club for even longer just shows how well he’s fitted in here and settled down.

“He’s a massive player for us, he’s one of the most destructive ball carriers in the competition, he has a great offload game and brings a physicality to the team with how he goes about his defensive work”

“It’ll be great to see him continue to help us push for more trophies.”