St Helens keep hold of Cunningham

St Helens have extended the contract of head coach Keiron Cunningham until the end of 2018.

Cunngingham, a playing great of the club, took over as head coach from Nathan Brown at the end of 2014.

Chairman Eamonn McManus stated: “Keiron is a young, talented and ambitious British coach who, even at the very beginning of his career, has already won the absolute respect of his team and of all at his Club.

“In his first season he took the team to within a whisker of another Grand Final and against the background of an injury ravaged campaign. He will continue to gain experience, as will his young side.

“No one knows the Club, and its standards and its expectations, better than Keiron. The extension of his contract will bring stability to the Club and enable him to implement longer term plans and strategy in addition to seeking immediate success.”

Cunningham has a 60% win rate with Saints, winning 18 of his 30 games in charge.

“I really enjoyed my first year as head coach at the club and I am looking forward to the future with this great group of players,” the 39-year old said.

“It is an honour to coach my hometown club and we are well positioned for success in the coming seasons.

“I’d like to thank Eamonn, Mike Coleman, Mike Rush and the board for agreeing to extend my deal; they have been steadfast in their support for me.”