SAINTS' second rower John Stankevitch played his first senior game since October last Friday - and according to coach Ian Millward - he now simply needs to prove his fitness to gain a new contract.

"He was a real big bonus for us and I am seriously considering starting him in the 13 against Cas," Millward said.

"I have told him if his shoulder is right, there will be a contract there for him.

"I look to John as a long term player. I have a senior group here and he is that grouping.

"I have told him to just get fit and back to the way he was playing last year.

"John does not want to go anywhere else. He wants to stay with Saints," he said.