St Helens Playmaker Search: Dodd Departure Sparks Hunt for Replacement

St Helens Facing Playmaker Predicament as Lewis Dodd Linked with South Sydney Rabbitohs Move

Amidst reports from Australia, St Helens are set to lose their key playmaker Lewis Dodd to the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2025, leaving the Red Vee facing a significant dilemma in determining who will partner Jonny Lomax in the halves. Dodd has been a crucial component of St Helens’ success in recent years, famously kicking the match-winning drop goal in the 2023 World Club Challenge triumph over NRL champions Penrith Panthers, a feat that has not gone unnoticed in the southern hemisphere, with the 22-year-old being touted as the “best seven in Super League”.

The news of Dodd’s impending move down under means that St Helens will need to find a worthy replacement, and their recruitment department will no doubt be working overtime to address this critical void. With that in mind, three potential candidates have emerged as potential successors to the departing playmaker.

Kieran Foran

Kieran Foran, the experienced New Zealand international, has enjoyed a illustrious NRL career, currently plying his trade with the Gold Coast Titans. The 32-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has expressed openness to a move to Super League, with a close friendship with former Catalans Dragons player Mitchell Pearce potentially paving the way for a switch.

Marc Sneyd

Another option is Marc Sneyd, the consistent performer who has been one of Super League’s standout half-backs over the past decade. Sneyd’s current deal with Salford Red Devils expires at the end of the 2024 season, and his ability to guide teams to silverware, as evidenced by his Lance Todd Trophy-winning performance in Hull FC’s 2016 Challenge Cup triumph, could make him an enticing target for the reigning Super League champions.

Jordan Abdull

Finally, Jordan Abdull, the Hull KR playmaker currently on loan at Catalans Dragons, has shown glimpses of his vast potential, despite being hampered by injury troubles in recent years. With his contract in Perpignan expiring at the end of the season and Hull KR willing to allow him to leave permanently, Abdull’s contrasting style could make him a suitable foil for Jonny Lomax at St Helens.

As St Helens navigate the impending departure of their star playmaker, the search for a worthy successor will undoubtedly be a top priority for the club, with the aforementioned trio emerging as potential candidates to fill the void left by the departing Lewis Dodd.

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