St Helens agree new deals for young talent

Foster had an impact at Saints last season, with 172 points in 16 games

St Helens have offered new contracts to four of Knowsley Road's top young players, Jonny Lomax, Jamie Foster, Paul Clough and Tom Armstrong.

Lomax has signed a three-year deal, while fellow 20-year-old Foster, who also started Saturday night's Grand Final, has penned a two-year contract.

There is also a two-year deal for Clough, 23, who was on the Old Trafford bench for the 22-10 defeat by Wigan.

And 21-year-old Armstrong will stay at the club for another season.

"We are delighted all four have agreed to stay at the club," said Saints chief executive Tony Colquitt.

"The successful academy systems at the club are well documented and championed. All four are a product of these elite programmes.

"Whilst Paul is now a seasoned professional who is still getting better, I'm sure Jonny, Jamie and Tom will only continue to improve as they get progress further with the club and their careers."

Since 2007, Saints have consistently topped the table of Super League sides fielding club-trained players, with an average of 11.76 in 2010, up from 9.82 in 2007.

It's just a question of getting together with the chairman to iron out exactly what my role will be. But the one thing I can say is that it won't be playing

Keiron Cunningham

And Saints legend Keiron Cunningham, who played his final game for the club in Saturday night, is a big believer in the production line of talent that has emerged under high performance manager Mike Rush.

"The one thing we've always prided ourselves on is our youth system," said Cunningham.

"Mike Rush has done a great job there and we've got some very good boys."

"This is not the end of Saints. We've got a strong squad coming through and we'll be up there again. We've already some good signings for next season."

Quite what role Cunningham will play in the development of those future and emerging Saints players exactly is yet to be determined - but the former Great Britain international will be on the staff next season.

"I'll still be involved next season in various capacities," said Cunningham. "I'll go and get some sun our backs with the wife and kids in America first, then come back and get stuck into this coaching role.

"It's just a question of getting together with the chairman to iron out exactly what my role will be. But the one thing I can say is that it won't be playing."