The Saints have locked down a key piece in their forward pack for the coming seasons, with Curtis Sironen, aged 32, putting pen to paper on a new deal that keeps him at Saints amid a period of transition. Son of Balmain Tigers legend Paul Sironen and brother of Bayley Sironen (now at Catalans Dragons), Sironen brings not only heritage but solid experience — having played 221 first-grade games across the Wests Tigers, Manly Sea Eagles and St Helens.
Why the deal matters
- Sironen’s retention signals that Saints are far from a wholesale rebuild — they’re blending recruiting with stability and keeping experienced campaigners at the core.
- Given his 221-game pedigree and ability to operate in the middle or edge of the pack, Sironen offers depth, leadership and a steadying influence as the club brings in fresh faces and develops younger forwards.
- At a club where the spine and forward rotation are under review (especially as the previous dominant era winds down), retaining a figure like Sironen helps maintain standards, culture and continuity.
Squad context & recent moves
Saints’ recruitment and retention strategy has been well-documented. On the incoming side, they brought in notable NRL-sourced recruits for 2025 including:
- Kyle Feldt from the North Queensland Cowboys.
- Tristan Sailor from the Brisbane Broncos.
- Lewis Murphy arriving from the Sydney Roosters system.
On the retention front, several players recently extended with the club:
- Jon Bennison (wing/full-back) agreed a one-year extension.
- Jake Burns (hooker) likewise signed a one-year contract extension.
- Ben Davies (centre/utility) stayed for another year.
- Will Roberts (young half-back) also extended for 2025.
- Additionally, Konrad Hurrell signed a one-year extension to remain into 2025.
- Elsewhere, young forward Harry Robertson committed long-term (through to 2028).
How Sironen fits the blueprint
With this re-signing, Saints are clearly executing a dual-path strategy:
- Experienced retention — keeping players like Sironen and others to anchor the squad.
- Incoming talent and youth development — supplementing with NRL imports and committing to club-grown players.
Sironen fills the bridge between the old guard and those who will carry the club into the next chapter.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond
- The forward pack looks set to be more balanced: Sironen’s experience plus younger backs like Robertson and established performers like Hurrell gives depth.
- The spine and outside backs are reshaped via Feldt, Murphy, Sailor — but the pack can’t be ignored; retaining Sironen mitigates risk of losing too many forwards.
- With Sironen committed, Saints can afford to plan for phased turnover rather than panic replacements — smart from a club culture and continuity perspective.
In summary
Curtis Sironen’s re-signing is more than just another deal — it’s a strategic piece in the mosaic of Saints’ next era. It demonstrates that amidst fresh signings and a changing guard, there is room for experience, loyalty and stability. If 2026 is to be a year of consolidation or resurgence, Sironen will be one of the steady hands helping the club navigate it.
