The 25-year-old Saints Academy product is currently battling back to full fitness after suffering a ruptured ACL in April’s Challenge Cup clash with Catalans.

The road back has been long and arduous, presenting a mental and physical challenge that had to be overcome, but in recent months the packman has been regularly posting updates of his progress in the gym on his own social media.

Now the player, who has featured in Saints’ Grand Final success in 2022 and the subsequent World Club Challenge win over Penrith, is raring to go in what will be his eighth season as a first teamer in the red vee.

Wingfield said: “I’m absolutely over the moon, especially after the year I’ve had. I’m absolutely buzzing that the Club has stuck by me, given me this extra year and another opportunity to prove myself next year.

“Hopefully, I’ll have a bit more luck as well.”

The ACL injury has been a difficult setback, particularly as it came just after he had produced a monumental defensive effort in the Good Friday win over Wigan.

It is not his first ACL, having done one in the Academy before stepping into the first team – and his career has been further hampered by two shoulder reconstructions on each shoulder and a freak ankle injury at the end of 2025.

But the determined Leyther is making steady progress in his recovery after what has been the toughest of all setbacks.

He said: “This one probably hit me harder mentally than any of my previous injuries initially, but I soon got over that and started thinking about what’s next and how I could get back next year.

“You start to become a senior voice in the team, have more of a role vocally and help the young lads coming through, and then it feels like another setback comes along.

“I’m hopeful I’m past that now and can start passing my experience on.

“I’ve learned a lot from senior players, and there’s always a new crop of youngsters coming through every year. I can’t wait to get stuck in with them during pre-season and hopefully help them in the same way I was helped here.”

The hard-working packman started off his playing at Leigh Miners in his hometown before emigrating to Australia with his family for two years where he played and honed his skills with the Parramatta juniors.

After returning to England he joined Blackbrook Royals where he was spotted by the Saints scouts and progressed through the Saints’ Scholarship and Academy teams before making his senior and Super League debut in 2020.

He has made 69 appearances for the first team so far and will be challenging for the loose forward role when the campaign gets under way.

Wingfield will be working under new Head Coach Kevin Walters next season, with the Australian set to take charge of Saints.

The versatile forward is relishing the opportunity to impress under the new coaching set-up.

“There’s competition for places, and that drives standards in different ways.

“Hopefully, that shows throughout pre-season and into the season. We know we can be successful here.”