St Helens sign outside-back Wesley Bruines for 2023 season

St Helens have signed outside-back Wesley Bruines on a one-year deal.

Dewsbury-born Bruines, 19, spent last season in Australia with the South Sydney Rabbitohs development team.

Despite missing out on a scholarship contract in a Super League set-up, he continued to work hard, and that work ethic saw him rewarded with an appearance for the Yorkshire U17s side, and the England Community Lions.

Following those impressive displays, he joined Wakefield, who beat competition from other Super League sides for his signature and signed a contract until the end of 2021.

Following this, he moved to Australia and was rewarded with a development contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs while at the Coffs Harbour Comets.

Bruines was brought straight into the North Coast Bulldogs Representative team in which he impressed. Following the conclusion of the season, he decided to move back to the UK and will join up with the Saints for the 2023 season.

On signing for the Champions, Bruines said: “The chance to be in the squad of the best team in England and the current champions is an opportunity I just couldn’t turn down. Once I had decided to come back home and there was interest there I had to jump at it.

“I know how hard these opportunities are to come by, but I’ve worked for this my whole life and I think this is a step I’m ready for, and I’m ready to work even harder now for my new teammates and show the coaches what I’m all about.

“Having come home from Australia I can’t think of anywhere better to continue to improve and take that next step. I can’t wait to get started and push for a place in the squad.”