AS one door closes and another one re-opens at Langtree Park this week with Lance Hohaia’s decision to retire from rugby league being followed by the return of Australian full back Shannon McDonnell.

Kiwi World Cup winner Hohaia was half way through the final term of his four-year contract at Saints but called it a day citing "concussion-type' symptoms.

The 32-year-old utility player has featured eight times this season at full back, half back and hooker but has missed the previous two matches with injury.

Hohaia’s departure, the long term injury sustained by Jonny Lomax and the current sidelining of Paul Wellens opened up at vacancy at full back.

Saints know what they are getting with McDonnell, who had a short three game spell at Langtree Park last term before having his stint curtailed with a broken jaw.

The 27-year-old joins from Wests Tigers and will remain for a year and a half.

Saints CEO Mike Rush said: “It’s clear with Jonny Lomax out for the season and Paul Wellens currently sidelined that we need cover at full back as well as in the backs.

“Shannon can cover a number of positions and we’d like to thank Phil Moss at Wests Tigers and his agent Steve Gillis for making it happen.

“He did a great job last season and we look forward to welcoming him to St Helens once again.”

He is due to arrive in St Helens this week and will wear the number 34 jersey.

McDonnell started his career at the Tigers and also played for Newcastle Knights in the NRL.

In 2011, he moved to Hull KR and two years later joined their rivals at the KC Stadium.

He played for the Exiles in 2012.