Pair send Saints to heaven

Champions St Helens have handed new deals to former Great Britain duo Sean Long and Keiron Cunningham, who were out of contract at the end of the season.

Long, who is in his testimonial season at Knowsley Road, has signed a new two-year deal while Cunningham has agreed a one-year extension.

The announcement effectively ends any prospect of the 30-year-old Long finishing his career in Australia. He held talks with Sydney Roosters coach Ricky Stuart during last year's Tri-Nations Series.

The Wigan-born scrum-half recently announced his retirement from international rugby league in order to concentrate on his last few years with St Helens, the club he joined from Widnes in 1997.

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus said: "Sean Long and Keiron Cunningham have been pivotal to Saints' success over the last decade.

"I'm sure the same formula will work in the future as we also bring through the great young talent that we are developing at the club."

The Super League leaders are now expected to focus on the future of club and Great Britain captain Paul Sculthorpe, who is also out of contract at the end of the season.

Saints have extended the contracts of Samoan forward Maurie Fa'asavalu, 27, and 19-year-old half-back or hooker Scott Moore to the end of 2010.

McManus added: "The fans will be equally pleased that Maurie is committing long term to the club as he's proving to be one of the best impact props in the game and will improve further.

"Scott Moore is one of the best teenage talents around and we again will look to develop his potential to became a regular first team player down the line."