St Helens: Paul Wellens signs new deal with Super League champions

Paul Wellens (right) helped St Helens clinch their first Super League title since 2006 last season

Super League champions St Helens have agreed a new one-year contract with captain Paul Wellens.

The 34-year-old full-back led the club to a League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final double last season.

Wellens has spent his entire career at his hometown club, making 491 appearances since his debut in 1998.

"I'm in the latter stages of my career. With a good crop of young players my focus is on training hard and competing for a place," he said.

"With a World Club Challenge to look forward to, the new Super League format and a title to defend it is a very exciting time for the club."

During his 16-year career with Saints, Wellens has won everything in the game including two World Club Challenges, five Super League titles, five Challenge Cups and the League Leaders' Shield on five occasions.

The former Great Britain and England utility back is the holds the Super League record for the most appearances and has won the Man of Steel and Harry Sunderland Awards in 2006 and the Lance Todd Trophy in 2007 and 2008.

"He proved his versatility in our championship winning season by playing in many positions and performing at a high level," said head coach Kieron Cunningham.

"His commitment to the club is superb. He is the ultimate professional and that rubs off on all those around him.

"His strong and respected relationship with the players is evident by the fact he wants to help improve Jonny Lomax' game at fullback - the position he plays in."