St Helens have tied down up and coming youngster Aaron Smith to a new three-year contract.
The 22-year-old made his Saints debut for the club this season and has scored two tries in four appearances so far this term.
Smith, who has gained experience at York, Featherstone and Hull KR, has been widely tipped to replace James Roby when he eventually retires.
“It feels amazing. Being a local lad, growing up in St Helens and coming watching as a kid it feels great to be able to sign on again and I can now move my career on.
“I would like to thank Eamonn McManus, Mike Rush and Justin Holbrook for having faith in me and trusting me to wear the shirt and do a job for St Helens.
“It has also been great to train and work alongside the likes of James Roby who has helped me a lot. He has helped me develop my game and I have tried to model my game on the way he plays.
“Watching and coming through the system, there is no better role model than him and hopefully one day I become half the player he has been and have some sort of legacy within the club. That is the ultimate dream.”
Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus said: “It’s fantastic news that Aaron has committed to Saints. Aaron is another one of our successful Academy graduates. He is an example of what can be done with hard work and dedication.
“Aaron is learning from the best in James Roby every day in training and that means he can only improve further with experience and with age.”
Head Coach Justin Holbrook added: “I am delighted Aaron has signed on for another three years.
“Aaron has proven this season he is a Super League player. His performances this season have shown what a bright future he has. He is a great young player to coach and is another product of promoting young players from our academy system.
“Aaron is learning from the best in James Roby on how the game should be played and what is required off the field to be a Saints player.”
