SAINTS have rewarded forward John Stankevitch with a new three-year contract after a string of impressive performances in recent weeks.

Widnes-born Stankevitch (21) joined Saints from the Parkside Golborne amateur club and made his senior debut in the World Club Challenge defeat by Melbourne Storm 18 months ago.

It has been something of a rollercoaster ride of a season for Stankevitch, who played in the World Club Championship win over Brisbane but then missed out on a place in the Challenge Cup Final.

In the immediate aftermath of Twickenham, he was relegated to the Alliance side, but has fought his way back into the first team and has shown a great attitude, putting in some powerful displays.

Eric Hughes, Saints' football manager, said: "John is an outstanding young prospect who has been a key member of the squad this season".