St Helens bolstered by Hargreaves

Super League champions St Helens have signed forward Bryn Hargreaves from rivals Wigan on a two-year contract.

Hargreaves, who turns 21 next Tuesday, played in all but two of Wigan's first 16 matches last season before being loaned out to Leigh.

His signing will help plug the gap created by the retirement of former Lions front-rower Paul Anderson.

Saints coach Daniel Anderson said: "We believe he has genuine potential and that we can develop him technically."

Saints' other signing for next year is former Australia Test centre Matt Gidley, a direct replacement for Jamie Lyon, while the club have handed two-year full-time contracts to teenage academy players Steve Tyrer, Steve Bannister and Paul Clough.

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus said: "Our youth systems and squads have never been stronger than at present and it's good to see three of our youngsters rewarded with full-time contracts.

"This is a genuine positive side-effect of the salary cap - you cannot keep replacing internationals with internationals."