 |  If Saints are going to continue to be one of the best teams then they have got to invest heavily in the youth set-up |
His autobiography may be entitled 'The Quiet Man' but Chris Joynt wants to have a big say in the future of St Helens.
The former Saints skipper intends to donate his share of royalties from the book to youth development at the club he served loyally for 13 seasons.
"It's my way of ensuring that the club remains at the top," he told BBC Sport.
"The way the salary cap restrictions are now, if Saints are going to continue to be one of the best teams then they have got to invest heavily in the youth set-up."
Joynt quit rugby at the end of last season, bringing the curtain down on a hugely successful career.
The second row forward played 382 matches for the Saints, winning four Challenge Cups and four Super League titles.
He also collected 25 caps for Great Britain as well as six caps for England and five for Ireland.
But the highpoint came at the start of 2001, when he captained Saints to a shock victory over Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Championship.
Just a few months later, the Super League champions held all three major trophies after beating Bradford in the Challenge Cup final.
Joynt eventually decided to end his career last season, although many, including club-mate Keiron Cunningham, felt he could have continued for another two seasons.
| I left the game at the top, which I wanted to do, and I left the game healthy |
"Everything was geared to finishing last year," says Joynt, who is still only 33.
"I left the game at the top, which I wanted to do, and I left the game healthy.
"If I'd played another year anything could have happened. Now my young family are my priority."
That may be so, but his decision to play an active role in the development of young players at St Helens clearly indicates he wants to fulfil some kind of role within the game.
"If we are going to get more Chris Joynts in the future, then we've got to invest in the youngsters," he says.
"Not everyone can afford the kit. Someone might need a pair of boots or might want to go on a bonding weekend.
"If the money can be used the right way, I'll be listening to what they've got to say because I want the money to be dished out in the areas I think it's needed."
It is ironic that Joynt's pledge comes just days after the very public revelation that St Helens offered New Zealand star Sonny Bill Williams a deal that could have netted the 19-year-old around �900,000 over three years.
Williams may be worth that kind of money but the fact that Saints were willing to break the bank to sign the Canterbury teenager should not negate what Joynt is trying to do.
Rugby league may be on the up and up but it still has to strive hard to ensure its continued popularity, especially in Joynt's hometown of Wigan.
"The whole town is buzzing with football at the moment," he says. "Rugby league is still in a healthy state but it needs work if it is to continue to be the number one sport."
Joynt's noble gesture will certainly help in that respect.
MMIX
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