Super League club working towards deal for star man

The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and St Helens have been swift to nail down some of their current stars for the years to come.

Recently we have seen Leeds get busy in this area prioritising retention over recruitment it would seen.

They nailed down England international and try scoring sensation Ash Handley long term and have surprised people by giving new deals to some of their new signings.

These have included Nene MacDonald, Sam Lisone and Justin Sangare as well as a new deal for Jarrod O’Connor.

They would appear interested in signing Blake Austin to a new deal as well meanwhile Warrington tied down George Williams and Paul Vaughan down to long term deals to fend off NRL interest.

The Saints have also handed out new deals to the likes of Konrad Hurrell and James Bell.

They may not be done either it would seem. After reports of NRL interest, it was reported by the Daily Mirror that Sione Mata’utia would be staying at St Helens.

Paul Wellens meanwhile has now confirmed that they are working towards a new deal.

“Hopefully we can get that done as quick as possible,” Wellens said on Saints.

“I mentioned a few weeks ago that it was important that we gave not just Sione, but his family, time to have a think about whether staying in the UK was something that they wanted to do.

“Obviously he’s had those discussions now and it’s starting to look quite favourable on our part that he wants to stay around a bit longer.

“So hopefully – I’m due to see Mike Rush in a minute – so if we can get that sorted in the next hour, that’d be nice.

“The sooner the better because Sione is a brilliant person, wonderful player, and a really well-liked and valued member of the group.

“So you know we always want to. Keep those players around.”

It seems that Saints will have an embarrassment of riches with the club having Joe Batchelor and Curtis Sironen tied down for next year and a reported move for Matt Whitley from Catalans Dragons.