ST HELENS have confirmed the signing of hooker Tom Starling from the NRL’s Canberra Raiders ahead of the 2027 season.
Starling, 28, has signed a three-year contract and is St Helens’ fourth new signing ahead of the 2027 season under new coach Kevin Walters, joining Sean O’Sullivan, Christian Tuipulotu and Solomona Faataape, with the quartet set to begin pre-season training in November.
Starling, born in the town of Windsor near Sydney, made his NRL debut with Newcastle Knights in 2018 before moving to Canberra, where he has played for the last eight seasons, making 156 appearances and scoring 17 tries in his NRL career, while also representing the Prime Minister’s XIII against Papua New Guinea in 2025.
At Canberra he initially understudied English hooker Josh Hodgson, but when Hodgson suffered an ACL injury in 2020 he was able to establish himself in the Green Machine’s starting lineup.
During the 2025 season he played 24 games for the Raiders as they won the NRL Minor Premiership, having signed a contract until the end of 2027, from which he was released earlier this year, allowing him to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
“This is such a great opportunity to be able to join such a prestigious club as St Helens,” Starling said.
“I’m a bit of a Rugby League nerd, so I keep up to date with Super League, and I’ve always admired the competition from afar, the style of rugby and the toughness of it. I’ve played alongside a few of the English lads in Canberra, and you see the passion they have for their clubs.
“I feel like I’ll fit in really well. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I can see that same passion in the people of St Helens. It’s a very passionate, loyal fanbase, and that reflects the way I play.
“I love the expectation of winning trophies. That’s why I play the game: to win, play with a bit of style and show passion. I’m so excited to get over there, immerse myself in the town and community, and become a Saint.”
Starling is also looking forward to working under Kevin Walters, who coached him in the Prime Minister’s XIII.
He added: “I’ve seen how intense he is with his training, and so when Kevvie called and asked if I’d be interested in coming, he spoke about his plans for the club and what he wants to achieve. I was ready to go there and then!
“Having Kevvie there was a massive draw for me. Saints is a big enough draw in itself, but having him involved is going to be huge. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together over the coming years. I’m really excited to play under him.”
Abi Ekoku, the St Helens chief executive, is looking forward to Starling’s arrival.
“Tom’s desire to join the club has been infectious, and his hunger for success stands out,” said Ekoku.
“Saints supporters will embrace his skill, leadership and fierce competitiveness, and we look forward to welcoming him at the BrewDog Stadium.”
