Both are at opposite ends of their rugby life, but the respect which the youngster showed for his more illustrious colleague was clearly evident on the day that Long announced he was to quit the club and join engage Super League rivals Hull FC on a two-year deal from the start of next season.

"The players have only just been told that Longy is leaving and it's come as a bit of a shock to us all, just like it did when club captain Paul Sculthorpe revealed he was retiring last year," said 21-year-old centre Dean.

"Sean has been a pillar of this club for many years and it will seem weird to players like me that he will no longer be part of our set up and wearing a different shirt next season."

Dean, who has made three appearance this season, said: "When I watched Sean in action from the terraces I never dreamed of the day I would be training and playing alongside him and like most of the senior players at the club he has helped me considerably to improve my game.

"So too, as fellow centre Matt Gidley, who I have learned more from than anyone else. I started to train with Gids when he signed for us and he is tremendous in helping all the young lads in training."

Head coach Mick Potter said: "Sean has been a great ambassador for this club and his record of success speaks for itself. I know he will continue to show same kind of professionalism in the last few months of his career here as he has displayed in the past and hopefully it will end with more silverware on the table."

Chairman Eamonn McManus added: "We fully respect Sean's decision. He has secured a two-year contract on very good terms and we wish him well.

"We have a number of very exciting players who next season will be commanding regular first choice selection and they must be given every opportunity in the long-term interests of the club. "It is a policy we are committed to."

He added: "Having said that, we must pay tribute to the incredible achievements of Sean since joining us.

"He is one of the most decorated players in the history of the club and has been at the centre of all we have achieved. He still has three more pieces of silverware to aim at this season and I know that the St Helens' fans will continue to show their support of this truly great player. Sean will leave as a personal friend of many and as a club legend."

Longy's impending departure from the GPW Recruitment leaves a question mark over whether Saints will plunge into the transfer market to sign a world-class half back or, as I feel, will rely on the crop of precocious youngsters coming off the club assembly line.

They already have Kyle Eastmond, a prospect of immeasurable talent, on board and the likes of Matty Smith and Scott Moore on loan to other clubs who can develop into quality half backs, to mention just a few.