St Helens sign up Morgan Knowles, Ricky Bailey, Jake Spedding and Levy Nzoungou
Wednesday 19 August 2015 11:45, UK
St Helens have continued their planning for the future by signing up youngsters Morgan Knowles, Ricky Bailey, Jake Spedding and Levy Nzoungou.
The latest deals come on top of the agreements with Matty Fleming, Oliver Davies, Dougie Charnock, Danny Richardson, Calvin Wellington and Regan Grace in the last two days.
Academy head coach Derek Traynor said: "Morgan is a fantastic competitor. He plays in the back row, is very skilful, never takes a step back and is capable of playing for 80 minutes. He has already played international at Academy level and we believe he is very close to being at the standard of a first-team player.
"He has a few things to work on but once he gets up to the speed of the first team we have high hopes for him.
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"He showed massive commitment as a 16-year-old to the club. He signed from Barrow Island and travelled down for Scholarship sessions each week. Hopefully, this contract is the continuation of the commitment that both him and his family have shown.
"Ricky has already had a taste of the first team on the wing this season but is a full-back by trade. He's come through Burton Borough (Newport), Telford Raiders and the Midlands Regional Player Development Camp, Midlands Scholarship and Shevington before joining us. He's an England international too.
"He's worked really hard since he joined the club not only with us but on his own ironing out the kinks in his game. He studies the game well too, is dynamic and is a great communicator.
"Jake is a centre/winger who has played for England. He has improved beyond recognition over recent years. He has always been a great athlete and has great game and positional sense. He played at Blackbrook, his family live in Warrington but originate from Leeds.
"Levy made that sensational debut at prop and I always get asked how he is getting on. He came over to us having played for Toulouse first team and during his trial showed how committed he was.
"He wants to learn and improve and is doing that each week. He has got a fantastic physique and game sense, with a great engine and is tough as they come.
"The biggest thing for him is learning English which he is doing with two fans of the club. We are really grateful for their help.
"He has done really well in the short period of time he has been here as to come away from home, not being able to speak a word of English, shows his commitment. We are excited about the future."
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