St Helens set for major signing ahead of 2024 Super League season

St Helens have already signed Daryl Clark from Super League rivals Warrington Wolves and Matt Whitley from Catalans Dragons but their recruitment is not done yet.

The former Super League Champions are looking to make one more signing for the 2024 season to replace the departure of Will Hopoate. Hopoate arrived at St Helens in 2022 but had an injury hit time at the Totally Wicked Stadium from start to finish though he was able to feature in the 2022 Super League Grand Final moving from wing to fullback.

The Saints do have Konrad Hurrell who can play centre but they would perhaps lack the depth they had in 2023 and before if they were not to replace Hopoate.

Chairman Eamon McManus has confirmed an intention to replace Hopoate but has warned that the Saints will not make signings for the sake of signings.

“We are very happy with our like-for-like recruits, and we have lots of good youngsters coming though – but we do have some cap space,” he said to St Helens Star.

“We are still looking for a wing/centre – but we are not going to sign them for the sake of it.

“Any signing must strengthen the squad, fit in and be a very good player – if they are not then we are not going to sign them.”

The Saints have been linked with moves for both Toby King and Justin Olam. The King rumour has been all but shot down and Olam looks set to sign for Wests Tigers.

As the men’s side at St Helens look for incomings, the women’s side are still dealing with notable losses such as Eboni Partington who will leave Saints to join York Valkyrie ahead of the 2024 season.

The winger has opted for a new challenge ahead of the upcoming season and will head to Yorkshire for 2024.

Partington featured heavily for the Red V last year, after earning the number three shirt ahead of the 2023 campaign. Partington played 16 games for the Saints last season, scoring nines tries for the club, including one in the first ever Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. She also scored a crucial double in the 2022 Final at Elland Road, with Saints winning 16-8.

In all she played 41 times for the club, scoring 18 tries in all competitions.

The England International progressed through the Saints Academy, making her debut for the first team against Stanningley back in 2019.

In all, she won one Women’s Super League title, a League Leaders’ Shield and three Challenge Cup trophies during her time at the club.