St Helens sign Solomona Faataape

CATALANS centre Solomona Faaataape has signed for struggling St Helens.

Saints, who are almost certain to miss the play-offs for the first time since the early 1960s, have snared the 25-year-old on a a two-year contract beginning next season, He was under contract at the Stade Gilbert Brutus next year and Catalans have been paid an undisclosed release fee.

Unlikely to play again this year due to a hamstring injury, the former Wests Tigers player was quoted in a Saints media release as saying: “I am beyond excited!

“I’ve been playing this year with a few of the boys who know a lot about the club and they’ve shared with me just how rich in history Saints is and how passionate the fans are.

“I want to be successful and St.Helens demands success. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I am joining. Every game against Saints is going to be a big game; it’s such a huge club, everyone knows that.

“So to be joining is pretty awesome.

“Saints hold very high standards and I see myself improving as a player by joining. I’m so excited about what I can become as a player and as a person as well.

“It’s one of the best feelings, having a club – especially Saints – go out of their way to make a deal happen to get you as a player; it builds the confidence within yourself.

“I want to give that belief back to the club and the fans to show how grateful I am and to put my best foot forward for the team.”

Earlier today rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads reported that St Helens were offering a current import who plays centre, Nene Macdonald, to other clubs.