Another year for Cunningham

Club legend Keiron Cunningham has signed a new one-year deal at St Helens.

The hometown, one-club hooker has put off plans to retire for another year and will continue playing for Saints in 2010.

Cunningham stated: “I’m feeling mentally and physically strong enough to play at the peak of my game for St. Helens for another season. I’ll then be looking to retire from playing but aim for it to be at the very top both for me and for the Club.”

Cunningham has won countless honours at Knowsley Road, including five Super League Championships, seven Challenge Cup Winners Medals and two World Club Challenge Winners Medals
 
Saints’ chairman Eamonn McManus added: “This is a great boost for us. Keiron’s experience will be critical for us next season. He is already one of the all time greats of the Club and of the game and is key to the continuance of our success as a new generation of Saints players come through the ranks.”

Cunningham’s stay prolongs an era for Saints that has been gradually coming to an end in recent years, with the retirement of Paul Sculthorpe and the impending departure of Sean Long to Hull.
 
Saints’ coach Mick Potter said: “Keiron’s presence and experience are a priceless commodity for us. He’s a privilege and a pleasure to work with as the Club Captain and it’s a big lift for us with the Play-Offs coming up that he’s committed for another year.”

Saints host Huddersfield in the opening round of the Super League play-offs on Saturday.