St Helens have confirmed that a third player in three days has committed to a long-term deal with the club.
Prop forward Noah Stephens and centre Owen Dagnall both committed their future to St Helens by signing deals tying them to the club until at least the end of 2028.
Playmaker George Whitby has now done the same with the 18-year-old half-back signing a new deal after being a star in the Academy and Reserves over recent years.
Whitby made his first team debut in 2024 with the youngster playing against Hull KR and even managing to get on the scoresheet. News of his new deal was confirmed by the club via a statement.
It read: “St Helens R.F.C. is thrilled to announce that talented young half-back George Whitby will remain a Saint until at least the end of the 2028 season after signing a new four-year contract!
“A lifelong supporter of St.Helens, 18-year-old Whitby is a proud product of the world-renowned Saints Academy having come through both our Under 16 and Under 18s development programmes before joining the First Team full-time in the summer of 2024.”
St Helens playmaker signs new long-term deal
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Commenting on his new deal, Whitby said: “It’s a huge honour and privilege to represent this club for four more years. I’ve loved the journey so far and I’m just really happy to keep learning and keep progressing as a young player. I’m really happy that I’ve managed to secure my place here.”
He’s explained that he is learning plenty from new coach Lee Briers and club legend Jonny Lomax, both who were and are among the very best at the position.
Whitby said: “Being in my position and a legend of the game, I think I am just like a sponge to Briersy [Lee Briers], and I want to learn as much as I can from him. He’s always coming to me after training and giving me little tips, positive feedback, as well as constructive feedback.
“Ever since I’ve come in the First Team Jonny [Lomax] has been a massive influence. As I’ve stepped in, he’s always given me that reassurance and allowed me to pick his brain. He is someone that I look up to as a player.”
Head coach Paul Wellens added: “George lives and breathes rugby league. I think he is one of the few players in sport that when he has a day off, he’s disappointed, but that’s just George in a nutshell. He is always wanting to improve, and he feels that our environment at Saints is a place where he can improve, which is hugely pleasing.
“He is a very likeable character, laid back but always willing to learn. George has a really great temperament, which is always a good sign for a scrum-half. You only have to look at the friendly against Salford earlier this year, he came on and made an impact in a positive way. A small sign of what George is capable of.
“He has a huge future ahead of him in the game, he just needs to continue working hard and apply himself as he has been doing.”
