Australia’s reports state that St Helens will lose star player Lewis Dodd to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, which will leave the Red Vee with a dilemma regarding Jonny Lomax’s partner for 2025.
Dodd has played a significant role in St. Helens’ recent achievements. He is well-known for having kicked the game-winning drop goal in the 2023 World Club Challenge victory over the Penrith Panthers, the NRL champions. His signing was reported to have been welcomed, with Dodd being called the “best seven in Super League.”
St Helens will need to find a replacement for Dodd, and their recruitment department will go into overdrive now that it has been reported that he plans to move down under in 2025.
In light of this, the Saints may consider the following three players to step in and cover for the 22-year-old playmaker.
Kieran Foran
Kieran Foran, a New Zealand international, had a spectacular NRL career and is still a Gold Coast Titans regular. Before joining the Parramatta Eels in 2016, he played for the Manly Sea Eagles for six years after making his debut in 2009. Before coming back to Manly in 2021, he had stints with the Canterbury Bulldogs and the New Zealand Warriors since then.
Foran led New Zealand to victory in the 2014 Four Nations tournament after winning the 2011 NRL championship with Manly. However, he has not yet agreed to an extension, and his contract with the Titans expires at the end of the current campaign.
The Kiwi has previously stated that he would be open to moving to Super League at the end of his career. He is close friends with Mitchell Pearce, an ex-Catalans Dragons player. Additionally, St Helens might have quota spots available to sign an international player.
The contracts of Waqa Blake and Konrad Hurrell expire at the end of the current campaign, and Ione Mata’utia may also not have a contract left at that time. The Saints do, however, have a one-year option to extend his contract through 2025.
Foran could have the ideal opportunity to join one of the top teams in Super League right now.
Marc Sneyd
Over the past ten years, Marc Sneyd has been among the Super League’s most reliable players. In 2014, he played a key role in leading Castleford to the Challenge Cup final, where they were defeated by Leeds Rhinos. Two years later, Sneyd’s performance as Hull FC defeated Warrington Wolves in the Wembley showpiece earned him the Lance Todd Trophy.
This year, Sneyd has maintained his form, and he has been instrumental in Salford’s surprising performance. Despite looking like they would have a challenging season, the Red Devils have a strong start and are now in the running for the playoffs.
Due to the club’s financial difficulties, Sneyd’s contract will expire at the end of the 2024 campaign. He deserves a chance at a top-four club since he has proven he can lead his teams to championships. Similar to Dodd, Sneyd is a left-footed player who fits perfectly in Dodd’s previous role and has a strong goal-kicking record.
Jordan Abdull
Due to injuries, Jordan Abdull has occasionally pretended to be deceptive in recent years, but he is unquestionably a player with enormous potential. When Abdull signed a contract extension at Craven Park until 2026, Willie Peters spoke highly of him. Peters did not, however, stop Abdull from departing before the 2024 season. Abdull relocated to the south of France and signed a season-long loan with the Catalans Dragons.
Although Abdull’s contract with Perpignan expires at the end of the current campaign, Hull KR has stated that they are willing to let Abdull leave permanently at that point. Abdull had a great start to his time in Perpignan, but a hamstring injury cut short his stay.
Abdull could be a great fit for the St Helens if he becomes available. He has a lot of Super League experience and a great kicking game. He would be a fantastic counterpoint to Jonny Lomax because of his striking style.
