The 31-year-old hooker put pen to paper on a new 12-month deal last week, much to the delight of chairman Eamonn McManus.

McManus said: "Keiron has been an outstanding player in Super League for more than a decade and his influence on the club and the game cannot be overstated.

"He epitomises our club and is an out-and-out winner, but handles it with modesty and dignity."

Keiron said: "I spoke to Eamonn and chief executive Tony Colquitt earlier in the year about playing for at least another season and said I would consider it if I felt I was in good enough condition towards the end of engage Super League X111.

"I didn't want to reach a point at which I was dragging myself around the field, but my form has been good this year and I feel I can carry on for another 12 months.

"I am also excited about the challenges that new coach, Mick Potter, and new players will bring to the club."

The Great Britain hooker has made a staggering 437 appearances for Saints, scoring 163 tries and been the cornerstone of the club's success since the birth of summer rugby.

He has also been named in the Dream Team on seven occasions – 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2008.