Saints sign Soliola

St Helens have secured the signing of New Zealand centre Sia Soliola on a three-year contract from 2010.

The Kiwi international, 22, will move to Knowsley Road from Sydney Roosters after more than 80 NRL appearances and 20 tries.

Saints coach Mick Potter stated: “Sia will add size, speed and athleticism to our backline and will be a great addition to our squad next year.”
 
Chairman Eamonn McManus added: “Sia Soliola will be an exciting addition to St Helens and to Super League next season. He is already one of the best centres in the game and at 22, has his best years ahead of him.”
 
Soliola said: “I am really looking forward to playing in England next year as St Helens is a fantastic club and I will be linking with my former Roosters team-mate Chris Flannery as well as Test team mate Tony Puletua. Going to England is something that has appealed to me now for a while.
 
“I will get the opportunity to play in a world-class team and, at the same time, experience life in a different country.
 
“In saying that, the Sydney Roosters have been fantastic to me since I came over here as a teenager. I doubt I could play for any other club in Australia – hence my decision to experience something different going forward.”