St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham has ended speculation over his future by signing another 12-month contract with his hometown club.

Cunningham, who is 33 next month, has twice postponed his retirement but insists that 2010 will be the final season of his outstanding career.

"I'm feeling mentally and physically strong enough to play at the peak of my game for St Helens for another season," he said.

"I'll then be looking to retire from playing but aim for it to be at the very top both for me and for the club."

The former Wales and Great Britain hooker is the club's longest-serving player, having made 465 appearances in his 17 seasons with the club, and he scored his 168th try for them in last Friday's 24-12 defeat by Catalans Dragons.

Saints' chairman Eamonn McManus said: "This is a great boost for us. Keiron's experience will be critical for us next season.

"He is already one of the all-time greats of the club and of the game and is key to the continuance of our success as a new generation of Saints players come through the ranks."

A statue of Cunningham is to be erected in St Helens in recognition of his services to the club.

His retention will provide coach Mick Potter with a selection headache in 2010 when the club welcome back hooker Scott Moore from his loan periods at Castleford and St Helens.

With another international hooker, James Roby, also in the squad, Potter is likely to find a new position for the veteran Cunningham and welcomed his decision to play on.

"Keiron's presence and experience are a priceless commodity for us," said Potter.

"He's a privilege and a pleasure to work with as the club captain and it's a big lift for us with the play-offs coming up that he's committed for another year."