Canberra Raiders hooker Tom Starling has officially secured his next move, with a Super League club facing a difficult decision to accommodate his arrival.
St Helens have confirmed the signing of Starling on a three-year deal beginning next season, with the NRL hooker set to make the move to England after being granted an early release from his contract with Canberra.
The 28-year-old was originally expected to remain with the Raiders until the end of the 2027 season, with November 1 marking the date he could officially negotiate with rival clubs.
However, Canberra granted Starling permission to explore opportunities elsewhere a year early, with increased playing time understood to be a key factor in his decision to depart the nation's capital.
Starling has fallen behind Owen Pattie in Ricky Stuart's pecking order at hooker, with the younger rake emerging as the Raiders coach's first-choice number nine.
The move to St Helens will see Starling join new NRL recruits Sean O'Sullivan, Christian Tuipulotu and Solomona Faataape, as the English club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
However, his arrival has created a significant selection headache for St Helens, with the club now carrying 11 overseas players despite the Super League's maximum allowance being 10.
That means at least one player will need to be moved on before Starling can be accommodated under the competition's rules.
Tristan Sailor, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Curtis Sironen, Shane Wright, Nene Macdonald, David Klemmer and Jacob Host are among the players who could be affected by the situation.
Love Rugby League understands Wright has already been offered to rival clubs for next season, while Macdonald is also considered likely to depart as St Helens work through their overseas quota restrictions.
Starling expressed his excitement at joining the historic club, revealing the opportunity to work under coach Kevin Walters was a major factor in his decision.
“This is such a great opportunity to be able to join such a prestigious club as St Helens,” Starling told the media.
“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. 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 will 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.”
St Helens official Abi Ekoku also welcomed the signing, pointing to Starling's competitiveness and desire to succeed as key attributes he will bring to the club.
“Tom's desire to join the club has been infectious, and his hunger for success stands out," Ekoku said.
“Saints supporters will embrace his skill, leadership & fierce competitiveness, and we look forward to welcoming him at the BrewDog Stadium.”
While Starling's future is now settled, St Helens must still resolve its overseas quota dilemma, with the Australian's arrival potentially spelling the end of one existing player's time at the club.
