Manu pens two-year Saints deal

St Helens have won the race to sign the much sought after Willie Manu for the start of the 2013 season.

The Tonga international had already confirmed that this current season at Hull FC, his sixth with the Airlie Birds, would be his last at the KC Stadium, with a host of clubs vying for his signature. And it is the Saints who have now confirmed completion of the deal, with Hull's player of the year in 2011 signing a two-year contract from the start of next season. Saints chairman Eamonn McManus said: "Willie is one of the best back row forwards in rugby league. "He will introduce a new dimension to our game. He is a devastating runner with a phenomenal work rate. "He is also a great defender too and we look forward to welcoming him next season. "I'd like to thank Hull FC for allowing us permission to speak to Willie and express my appreciation for the way the club has conducted itself during the negotiations." Manu, who will represent the Exiles against England next Saturday, will link up with with his new team at the end of the season, with Saints also welcoming a new coach in Nathan Brown to Langtree Park.