Emerging star Jack Billings has been elevated to the Saints’ leadership group, taking the place of sidelined half-back Dylan Roberton.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: Billings stars in JLT1

At just 23, Billings becomes the youngest member of the new-look five-man group.

Speaking exclusively to the Saints Insider podcast, skipper Jarryn Geary heaped praise on the talented midfielder/forward’s character around the club.

DON'T MISS AN EPISODE: Subscribe to the Saints Insider podcast here

“We feel like Jack’s at a stage now where he’s been invested in the playing group and the way the footy club can improve for a long time,” Geary said.

He’s desperate for the footy club to improve, he wants to play in a winning side and he’s a really good person. He does the right things all the time, and he’s really invested in this footy club.”

Geary also cited his locker-mate’s exemplary work ethic as a major reason for his inclusion in the group.

“As a leader, I want to surround myself with people who prepare really strongly and work really hard and set a great example, which Jack does,” he said.

DONE DEAL: Ben in for the Long haul

“He’s had three young guys move in with him, and he’s taken guys under his roof for periods; he’s terrorised myself and Richo in the off-season to see how we can improve certain areas of the footy club; he just really cares.”