St Helens ‘close in on’ star NRL signing

Super League side St Helens are reportedly ‘closing in on’ securing a deal for an NRL star for the 2026 season and beyond.

Saints have dipped into the NRL market in recent years, specifically when recruiting ahead of the 2025 season as all three signings were made from the Australian competition.

St Helens brought English winger Lewis Murphy back to Super League with the Red Vee signing the former Wakefield Trinity man from Sydney Roosters, who he had joined ahead of the 2024 season.

They also brought in veteran winger Kyle Feldt from North Queensland Cowboys and full-back/half-back Tristan Sailor from Brisbane Broncos but they have now reportedly turned their attention to recruiting an NRL forward.

That man is Canberra Raiders powerhouse Josh Papali’i with Paul Wellens’ side “closing in on a two-year deal” according to The League Scene Pod, who shared the news via X ahead of Saints’ Magic Weekend clash with Leeds Rhinos.

St Helens’ Morgan Knowles replacement identified

According to those reports, Papali’i is viewed as a replacement for Morgan Knowles who it has already been confirmed will head Down Under at the end of the season.

Off-contract forward Knowles has signed a deal with The Dolphins, a move that was confirmed by both clubs at the end of February.

The loose forward will reunite with former Saints coach Kristian Woolf and has penned a two-year deal with Woolf labelling him as “one of the hardest-working players I have had the privilege to deal with”.

He is the only forward confirmed to be exiting Saints but other exits have been reported, including that of James Bell who Serious About Rugby League understand will sign for Hull FC for 2026.

It means they’re hoping to bolster their pack and a signing such as Papali’i would certainly do that with his experience also a massive boost.

He will turn 33 within the fortnight but with over 300 NRL games, 23 State of Origin appearances, and double-digit caps for both Australia and Samoa, he is among the most experienced players in the sport.

The 32-year-old has played at loose forward at times this season, making eight appearances so far for the Raiders and surpassing 100 metres on four occasions.

St Helens are closing in on a replacement for NRL bound lock Morgan Knowles.

It’s our understanding that the Saints are closing in on a two-year-deal for Canberra forward Josh Papali’i.

The Saints have been in talks with several NRL clubs for some time about finding a middle!

— The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) May 3, 2025