Former Wests Tigers centre Solomona Faataape has signed a two-year deal with Super League powerhouse St Helens starting from the 2027 season.
After leaving the Wests Tigers at the end of 2025, Faataape joined the Catalans Dragons in France for this season, where he has quickly made a strong impression in the competition.
Faataape has quickly risen through the rugby league ranks, winning the Queensland Cup in 2023 with the Brisbane Tigers before joining the Wests Tigers for two seasons and making his debut.
The 25-year-old spoke about his enthusiasm for joining the Saints.
“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,” Faataape said in the statement.
“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.”
When he signed with the Dragons, he signed a two-year deal that would finish in 2027.
However, he has been bought out of the final year of that deal to join St Helens on a two-year deal that will finish at the end of the 2028 season.
The club agreed to what was described as a "sizable fee" according to a report from Love Rugby League to sign the Dragons' centre.
The Saints were able to sign Faataape despite interest from rival clubs, particularly Hull FC.
It's been considered a good signing despite St Helens having no current head coach.
Near the end of July, St Helens coach Paul Rowley left the Super League after nine months in charge.
Currently, Eamon O'Carroll, who was an assistant coach, has become the club's interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Reports have circulated that there was a dislike of Rowley's vision for the club.
Former NRL premiership winner and St Helens winger Kyle Feldt commented on his dislike of Rowley's vision when he departed for a code-switch return to Australia before Rowley's exit.
Faataape expressed his appreciation for the effort the Saints have made to bring him to the club.
“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,” Faataape said.
“I love the fans' passion; they are just as passionate as we are as players, and I can't wait for 2027 because it's going to be a big year.
“Having the fans' support will be awesome, and I can't wait to get out there, meet, and get to know as many fans as I can. That's what I love about the sport, and I'm truly excited to get started!”
Currently, the Catalans Dragons are 8th on the ladder, six points behind St Helens with five rounds remaining.
The dual-international centre has scored nine tries in 20 appearances for the Dragons and has been a fan favourite at the club, with 7 try assists, 55 tackle busts, and 153 tackles at a 78.4% efficiency, while averaging 100.5 run metres per game.
