SAINTS’ Kiwi powerhouse Sia Solioa will join the NRL’s Canberra Raiders in 2015.
Soliola, who confirmed earlier in the year that he would be leaving Saints at the end of the season due to family reasons, will join the Australian club on a two-year deal.
The former Kiwi international, who also captained of the Samoan team at last year’s World Cup, joined the Saints in 2010 making a Grand Final appearance in his first season.
In his five seasons with the club, the forward has become a firm fans’ favourite with his shuddering trademark big tackles and aggressive carries.
- Soliola has become a firm fans' favourite since 2010
The 28-year-old has made 110 appearances and scored 29 tries in the red vee.
"Sia will be a real loss to the team," said Saints Chief Executive Mike Rush.
"He is a very popular figure at the Saints both on and off the pitch and I have no doubt Canberra will benefit greatly from his experience and character.
"Sia made it clear earlier in the season he wanted to leave Langtree Park for family reasons and naturally we respect his wishes.
"We wish Sia and his family all the best for the future and we're sure he will want to go out on a high, hopefully at the Grand Final in October."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here