SAINTS have passed on their best wishes and thanks to all the players that are leaving now that the season has finished.

They have released a long list of players at both ends of the age spectrum - including Willie manu who has confirmed his retirement.

Chairman Eamonn McManus said: "It is always difficult when any player leaves the Saints as they have become part of the family we have at the club.

"A number of players have been with the Club for a long time and have contributed both on and off the field to the cause. They have represented Saints professionally and we wish them all the best for the future.

"Our Past Players Association ensures the links with these players are never forgotten and we look forward to welcoming them back to Langtree Park in the future."

Sia Soliola joins Canberra Raiders in 2015 after agreeing a two-year contract. He made his debut for the club in 2010 and has made 117 appearances - scoring a crucial try in his final appearance in Saturday's Grand Final.

Willie Manu is retiring from rugby league after a lengthy career. He signed for Saints for the 2013 season from Hull FC and has appeared 47 times for the club.

Former Gold Coast Titan forward Anthony Laffranchi is returning to that club to take up a player welfare role. He joined Saints in 2012 and scored 19 tries in 71 appearances.

Paul Clough has joined Bradford for the 2015 Championship season. In total he made 189 appearances for the Saints, scoring 24 tries - including a hat-trick against Warrington - before joining Widnes on a season long loan. He has won two Challenge Cup medals with the Club.

Academy product Gary Wheeler will be moving on to another club after being at Saints since he was 16. He signed from Blackbrook and represented England at under 15s and 16s as well as touring with the winning Saints Academy side to Australia in 2006.

His career progression has been curtailed somewhat by injury but he's played 64 times for the Club.

Carl Forster is also moving on to Salford after making his debut for Saints in 2011. The forward has had spells at London and Whitehaven in his career and will be seeking more guaranteed game time at another club.

The Club and Richard Beaumont have agreed to part ways half way through the forward's two-year contract. The former Hull KR prop has been struggling with injury throughout the course of the season curtailing his chance of making his first team debut. He leaves with our best wishes and good health for the rest of his career.

With the lack of reserve team football and the current Academy structure - a scheme Saints vehemently voted against - the Club has reluctantly been forced to release three players.

James Tilley, Alex Clare and Connor Dwyer are unable to play in the current Academy system and with no other way for them to gain game time will leave the Saints to find other clubs. James has signed for Rochdale.

And finally, after a short-term contract and an unfortunate jaw break in the game against Warrington, Shannon McDonnell has played his last game for the Club.

He joined Saints following a long period on the sidelines to put himself in the shop window after leaving Hull earlier in the season. He played three games for the Club, scoring three tries.