St Helens have started their rebuilding process under new head coach Kevin Walters and the club have started by signing Tongan international Christian Tuipulotu from St George Illawarra Dragons.
Tuipulotu becomes the latest Dragons player to secure a move to Super League after previous deals for the likes of Damien Cook, Mat Feagai, Tyrell Sloan and Luciano Leilua.
The outside back becomes St Helens’ second signing for 2027 after Solomona Faataape signed from Catalans Dragons, though the 25-year-old Tuipulotu is the first to hail from the NRL.
He’s also the first to be confirmed after the appointment of Kevin Walters as head coach back in August with the winger bringing 63 games of NRL experience, scoring 33 tries in that time, with nine of those appearances coming in 2026 for the Dragons.
Primarily a winger, the outside back has represented Tonga once back in 2022 but he is now set to start a new chapter at St Helens, inking a three-year deal with the club.
His signing was confirmed by the club, who announced his arrival via a club statement and social media.
Dissecting Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors, St Helens miss the six and Wakefield make statement – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
St Helens sign NRL winger Christian Tuipulotu
Within that statement, Tuipulotu spoke on the move, pointing to Saints’ history as well as their former Tonga representatives such as Konrad Hurrell and Agnatius Paasi.
The winger said: “I’m very excited! I know a few of the boys already, and I know the club has got such a long and storied history. I’m pumped to come and add to the team. It’s going to be a big change for my partner and me, but I’m really looking forward to it.
“I spoke to Koni [Hurrell], and he was just telling me about the place and how good of a club St Helens is. After speaking to him, it made me even more excited to come over, but he did say it’s going to be cold, though!”
Tuipulotu also spoke on the impact of Kevin Walters, stating: “Kevin’s played and coached at some of the best teams in the world. I’ve got no doubt he’s going to be great at St Helens, and I’m excited to learn off him, pick his brains, and be part of it.”
Club CEO Abi Ekoku spoke on what Tuipulotu will bring: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Christian to Saints. He’s a proven finisher in the NRL, and his physicality, versatility, and passion to bring success stood out as discussions progressed. He will fit perfectly into the culture we’re building, and I’m confident he will inspire our squad and supporters when the new season starts.”
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 10, 2026
