Wednesday 24 May 2017 23:00, UK
St Helens have signed Australian full-back Ben Barba as their second marquee player on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Former NRL superstar Barba returns to the code after a short spell with French rugby union side Toulon.
A number of Super League clubs, including Warrington and Catalans, were reportedly linked with Barba but the former Cronulla Sharks star has elected to rebuild his career at Saints after an unsuccessful spell in France.
Saints head coach Justin Holbrook hailed the 27-year-old as a "world class" addition to his side, who beat Hull 45-0 at the Magic Weekend on Saturday.
"I've known Ben for some time and am confident that he will add a new dimension to the Saints and is a great capture for Super League," Holbook said. "He is a multi-talented and world class rugby league player.
"Everyone in the team will benefit from him joining us and are really looking forward to his arrival. The fans also have a lot to look forward to.
"Given Ben's abilities and reputation, his signing was extremely competitive and the Club have done exceptionally well to secure him.
"It is not often that players of his calibre become available and the Club has pulled out all the stops to fight off competition from both rugby codes around the world.
"I am also grateful for their support to me for my first signing as the new Head Coach."
Barba, voted Player of the Year for the 2012 NRL season, says he is looking forward to his first spell in English rugby after previous stints with the Canterbury Bulldogs, Brisbane Broncos and the Sharks.
"I feel very privileged to be joining such a historic rugby league club as St Helens," Barba said.
"I was able to meet up with some of the players and key people from the Club at the Magic Weekend and know they are a great set of people. The fans also showed me just how passionate they are.
"I wanted to make an early decision so that I can get my family settled in England and kids enrolled at school.
"I have certainly enjoyed my time in France at Toulon, but I am a rugby league player and St Helens, especially with Justin Holbrook as head coach, have made me very comfortable with the decision.
"I look forward to pulling the Saints' jersey on and playing besides my new teammates as soon as possible."
Barba is currently the subject of a 12-match ban in the NRL. The initial stance of the RFL is that this also applies to Super League. However, St Helens say they will be seeking further clarification on this position.
