St Helens complete major 2027 deal as Catalans star arrives in big money transfer

St Helens have completed their first major piece of transfer business for 2027 – after paying a significant transfer fee to land Catalans Dragons star Solomona Faataape.

The Saints have beaten off interest from Hull FC to secure a deal for Faataape, who has signed a two-year deal with the club despite there currently being no head coach in place.

St Helens’ hierarchy have brokered the deal and have shelled out what is believed to be a sizeable fee to get Faataape out of his contract with Catalans for 2027.

Hull were hopeful of a swap deal between themselves and the Dragons which would see Amir Bourouh go in the opposite direction. However, they will now have to do that deal without Faataape in the picture.

Solomona Faataape signs St Helens deal

The centre admitted he was thrilled to be joining one of Super League’s biggest clubs. He said: “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.”

St Helens’ centre options

Faataape adds to a strong centre unit that the Saints have under contract next season.

They gave Mark Percival a new contract despite a well-publicised dispute, while Nene Macdonald is also at the Saints and under contract after coming from Salford at the end of last season.

Tristan Sailor has also played centre this season and has agreed a long-term contract for the next three seasons. Harry Robertson is also under contract, but he may well end up at stand-off in 2027 and beyond.

But Faataape is sure to be a starter when he arrives in England given the form he has shown in a disappointing Catalans side throughout the 2026 season.