JAKE BURNS hopes to play a bigger part at St Helens in the next two years after signing a contract extension.

The hooker’s previous deal ran out at the end of last season but Saints have moved to keep him on board until 2027.

Burns has played ten games in each of the past two campaigns, having mostly been third choice in his position behind Daryl Clark and Moses Mbye.

Clark also recently signed for another couple of years while Mbye has been released by the club and joined Queensland Cup side Ipswich Jets.

“I’m thankful for every opportunity I get to play for St Helens,” said Burns.

“Hopefully, I can keep building on the past two years and do well for the club in the next two.

“I’m very competitive. I just want to win in whatever game it is, and I’ll be looking to do that and put my best foot forward.

“I’ve learned a lot from Daz (Clark) and Mo (Mbye), and now I want to put it more into practice next season.

“My goal is just to play as many games as possible and build on my experience. I want to get consistent game time and keep improving.”

Burns took an unusual route to Super League, first joining St Helens on trial at the beginning of 2022 from community side Halton Farnworth Hornets.

He spent two years with the reserves and, after an impressive League One loan stint with North Wales Crusaders in 2023, earned a full-time deal.

Burns has scored five tries in his 20 first-team appearances, and this year captained Saints’ reserves outfit.