Joynt calls time on career at St Helens

The most successful captain in St Helens' history, Chris Joynt, yesterday announced his retirement from the game.

The most successful captain in St Helens' history, Chris Joynt, yesterday announced his retirement from the game.

The 32-year-old Test forward won four Challenge Cups and four Super League titles during his 13 seasons with Saints.

Joynt was not offered a new contract and decided against taking up offers from other clubs, with newly promoted Leigh among those anxious to extend his career. "Although I had offers from elsewhere, I wouldn't consider any other club," he said.

Saints have also announced greatly improved financial results, cutting a loss which ran at over £1.5m in 2000 to £385,000 in 2003. They now expect to show a profit on 2004. The club hopes that its improved finances will help it move to a new stadium.

The London Broncos have signed the Manly winger, Nick Bradley-Qalilawa, for next season. He will join his former team-mate, Solomon Haumono, at the club.

The National League 2 club, Swinton, have pulled off a major coup, by signing the hooker or loose forward, Phil Joseph, who played for Huddersfield in Super League last season.