News: Saints announces new contracts for 4 Backs


By COYS
December 23 2014

Leading the way is Stephen Myler. A one-club man throughout his time in rugby union, Myler will go down as one of the most successful rugby league converts, not least because he is rare in becoming one of the highest rated playmakers within the Aviva Premiership. With Myler at the helm the Saints have won four major trophies – the 2014 Aviva Premiership and Challenge Cup titles (in which Myler won the man of the match award in both finals), 2010 LV= Cup and 2009 Challenge Cup – and reached the 2013 Aviva Premiership and 2011 Heineken Cup finals. The 30-year-old is within touching distance of becoming just the second Saint to reach 2,000 points in the 135-year history of the club, and has 241 first team appearances to his name

Samoan centre George Pisi has also ended speculation about his own future by putting pen to paper on a new contract to stay at Franklin’s Gardens. The 28-year-old is in his fourth season in the East Midlands, and with his pace and power on the pitch matched by his broad smile and affability off it, he has become a firm favourite with the Saints supporters. Pisi has played 88 times for the club’s first team, scoring 24 tries.

Another centre, Tom Stephenson, has also committed himself to continuing his development in black, green and gold. Still in the early years of his career, the 20-year-old has nevertheless already experienced some of the highs of the sport. He played in both the successful 2014 Aviva Premiership and Challenge Cup finals, and was a member of England Under-20s’ Junior World Championship-winning squad of 2013, scoring a hat trick of tries against the USA during the campaign. Stephenson is a graduate of the Saints Academy system, having joined the club from Buckingham. He has scored four tries in his 22 first team appearances.

Finally, James Wilson has agreed a new deal to extend his stay in the East Midlands. Having the tag as ‘utility back’ can be an albatross for some, but the 31-year-old has shrugged that off by excelling in whichever position he has been selected, whether full back, wing, centre or fly half. Wilson joined the Saints from Bourgoin in 2012, and has already played in four finals, including the 2014 Aviva Premiership and Challenge Cup successes. He has played 58 times so far, scoring 93 points.

“We’re delighted that all four of these players have decided to stay with us and continue their career at the Saints,” said director of rugby Jim Mallinder. “They are all quality players who have shown time and again that they have the ability and composure to compete at the highest level of the sport, and they will remain important members of the squad for years to come.”

The Saints also announced that Glenn Dickson has left Franklin’s Gardens with immediate effect. The 28-year-old New Zealander made 14 appearances in his 15 months in the East Midlands, and is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

“We thank Glenn for his contribution, and wish him the best for the future,” Mallinder added.

News: Saints announces new contracts for 4 Backs
Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 16:04

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Backs re-signed
Posted by: HerbieSaint (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 14:09

Myler, George Pisi, James Wilson and Tom Stephenson have all signed new contracts - great news!

Glenn Dickson is leaving the club - not a surprise I suppose.

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: Chris Hoddle (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 14:19

Certainly good news!

http://chrishoddle.smugmug.com/photos/i-TsCHdzK/0/M/i-TsCHdzK-M.gif

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: Edward (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 14:21

Thrilled with all four signings but especially Myler. Devastation at the Mad Stad, why would he stay at the champions? (Sm54)

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: walks10 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 14:24

Great news......And if he did leave why on earth would he want to play for them. No disrespect but languishing toward the bottom with no clear coaching set up in place for next season



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:12:23:14:25:06 by walks10.

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: Edward (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 14:30

Have you never been to Reading Walks? *

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: walks10 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 14:33

No and not on my bucket list... Do I need a re-think?

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: Saint BB (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 15:05

This has brightened up Christmas - all four are favourites of mine and are first class players. Especially pleased about Myler because he had some serious offers on the table from other clubs and is, imho, part of the bedrock of this wonderful team. Pisi is a joy to watch, Stephenson is a very skilful young man and a future England centre, and Wilson is a master at all backs positions. Very happy Saints fan.

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: St. Andy (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 15:07

Did I miss something? Was there some suggestions Myler had the opportunity to go to LI?

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: Hav,im (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 15:24

No Andy. More bull5hit rumours

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: Longers (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 15:40

Really pleased for Tom Stephenson too.

Now that the club acknowledge that he came from Buckingham RUFC do I need to highlight to folk that he came from Buckingham RUFC?

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: Phil. (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 15:51

Good news all round!

I know about SMyler, George and James but am unaware of Tom's background. I wonder where he started out... (Sm14)

Re: Backs re-signed
Posted by: Longers (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 16:42

Quote:
Phil.
Good news all round!
I know about SMyler, George and James but am unaware of Tom's background. I wonder where he started out... (Sm14)

I could tell you, but then (Sm118)!

Re: News: Saints announces new contracts for 4 Backs
Posted by: SaintED (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 16:51

Very good news. This is the week (as in 7 days) that keeps giving smiling smiley

Re: News: Saints announces new contracts for 4 Backs
Posted by: tedge (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 16:56

Apart from Samoa and Ma'afu have all the players out of contract re-signed or are there others ?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:12:23:16:57:55 by tedge.

Re: News: Saints announces new contracts for 4 Backs
Posted by: NGSB (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 17:03

I know its probably too late and I know that money talks ( especially 4 year mega deal ) but Samu will miss games like last saturday especially when the final whistle blows !

Re: News: Saints announces new contracts for 4 Backs
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 17:04

Great news for the lads with new deals.

I'd like to wish Glenn Dickson all the best in his future endeavours, I know Bedford could use him!!!

Re: News: Saints announces new contracts for 4 Backs
Posted by: tws (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 17:09

I think there are a couple of others. Experienced guys.I'd rather not fuel speculation on individuals but I suspect one is probably still negotiating and perhaps the other depends on who might be coming/not getting in the way of youngsters.

Hopefully we can expect significant signings to replace Manoa and Ma'afu or at least use their salaries and perhaps one other big signing.

In the meantime fingers crossed for Dylan tonight and roll on Saturday.

Re: News: Saints announces new contracts for 4 Backs
Posted by: Bob Stainsby (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 18:11

Well what a super dooper week so far Smyler made me exhale a Huuuuuge sigh of relief and the resigning of Wilson Pisi and Steevo is simply MARVELOUS! yes and all the best to Glenn D go well young man!

Top of the League 2014-2015 Season

Re: News: Saints announces new contracts for 4 Backs
Posted by: riverlodge (IP Logged)
Date: 23/12/2014 18:38

excellent news, really excellent.

hopefully we will now get to see Will Hooley develop further under KingA and Smylers tutelage, which will give us great succession plan at 10.

best of luck to Glenn, seems a long time since I saw him on the pitch now.

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