ST HELENS have won the race to sign Catalans Dragons centre Solomona Faataape, who has penned a two-year contract.
The Australian centre has impressed during his first season in Super League, having moved to France from Wests Tigers, scoring nine tries in 22 appearances.
Hull FC were also interested in Faataape but Saints have sealed his signature, making the 25-year-old their first new addition for next season.
They have agreed a transfer fee with Catalans to do so, as Faataape had another year still to run on his contract with the Dragons.
Faataape said playing alongside former Saints players in Tommy Makinson and Lewis Dodd helped to sell the move to the BrewDog Stadium – despite the current uncertainty over who will coach the side following Paul Rowley’s departure last month.
“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,” he said.
“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.”