Welsby rejects NRL interest to pen long-term Super League deal

England captain Jack Welsby has ended speculation about his immediate playing future by rejecting NRL interest to re-sign with St Helens until the end of 2027.

Welsby, who was man-of-the-match in February's 13-12 World Club Challenge defeat of Penrith at BlueBet Stadium, has been a target for NRL clubs since last year's World Cup.

The retention of the 22-year-old, who has won three Super League titles and led England to a 3-0 series defeat of Tonga as the nation's youngest captain, has been hailed as a triumph for the game in Britain.

“The NRL’s a massive competition and everyone sees it as that, but I believe that Super League can be that and we've just got to work towards it," Welsby said.

"Sometimes the speculation that comes with the NRL and stuff is not just as simple as going to sign at a different club, it's a lot of things.

"It's on the other side of the world, it's tough and the timing's got to be right - it's got to be perfect. But for me, it was always going to be St Helens.”

Highlighting Welsby's value is his selection in the Super League Dream Team for three consecutive seasons in three different positions - centre, five-eighth and fullback.

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus described Welsby as a "generational talent", while coach Paul Wellens said he had the potential to become one of the club's greatest players.

However, Welsby will still be only 26 years old when he comes off contract at the end of the 2027 season and the interest from NRL clubs is unlikely to wane.

“It’s harder in the current climate to keep your best players, but it is something that Saints has had real success with," Wellens said.

“He is an absolute pleasure to work with, that is why everyone involved at St.Helens is so delighted he has chosen to commit his future with us for the next four years.

"For a 22-year old he’s mature beyond his years and a real leader within our group despite being so young.” 

A Saints junior, Welsby first came to notice on the club's Academy tour to Australia in 2017 and in 2018 and he helped England Academy to a 2-0 series win against the Australian Schoolboys.

Welsby grabbed the headlines in the 2020 Super League grand final with his last-minute try securing a dramatic win against Wigan at Old Trafford, and he was a member of St Helens' premiership winning teams in 2021 and 2022.

After making his Test debut in the opening game of last year's World Cup against Samoa, Welsby began this season in style by spearheading St Helens to victory against Penrith and finished as England captain.

Playing fullback after the departure of Lachlan Coote, Welsby scored 15 tries and produced 32 try assists for St Helens team-mates to earn selection on a three-man short list for the Man of Steel Award.

Welsby said he was pleased to have his future resolved before the start of the 2024 season.

"It was a decision I had to make and I'm glad that I've made the decision that I have, and I'm going to be around all my best mates and a really good club," he said.

“Everyone at St Helens expects to win trophies, whether it's the fans, the players, the coaches, or the backroom staff. Everyone's expecting for you to go out and win at a weekend and then win on the big night at Old Trafford.

"That sort of expectation, it's hard sometimes, but it's what I want, I want that pressure and that's where I feel like I play my best rugby.”