St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham has prolonged his career for another year after agreeing a 12-month contract extension.
Saints captain "feeling mentally and physically strong enough"
St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham has prolonged his career for another year after agreeing a 12-month contract extension with his home-town club.
There had been speculation that the former Great Britain and Wales hooker, who is 33 next month, was going to announce his retirement.
Cunningham has already postponed that announcement on two occasions but now intends to prolong a career that has seen him become Saints' longest-serving player.
"I'm feeling mentally and physically strong enough to play at the peak of my game for St Helens for another season," he said.
"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 made 465 appearances in his 17 seasons with the club, and he scored his 168th try for them in last Friday's 24-12 defeat by Catalans Dragons.
Great boost
Saints' chairman Eamonn McManus said: "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."
A statue of Cunningham is to be erected in St Helens in recognition of his services to the club.
The decision will provide selection problems for coach Mick Potter, who already has another international hooker, James Roby, as well as Scott Moore, who is currently on loan with Huddersfield.
However, Potter, who is likely to find a new position for the veteran Cunningham, has welcomed his decision to play on.
"Keiron's presence and experience are a priceless commodity for us," he said.
"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."
