SAINTS will be losing Mose Masoe to the NRL at the end of year after the man mountain agreed to join St George Illawarra Dragons next season.

The 25-year-old prop, who has remarkably been an ever present since making his Saints debut in March 2014, has agreed a two-year contract with the Sydney club.

But if yesterday's Challenge Cup performance is anything to go on, the Smiling Assassin will not be tailing off at the end of his Saints stint.

Masoe's big charges in his second stint against the Vikings did much to help tip the balance Saints' way after the home pack had struggled to master the Widnes six.

Earlier this month Saints confirmed the signing of Lama Tasi from Salford who will effectively replace Masoe in the front row.

Saints coach Keiron Cunningham said: “We're sad to be losing Mose Masoe as he has been a popular member of the squad and been at the hub of a pack that has been superb this year.

“He is a really good bloke who I know will want to end his Saints career with more winner's medals.”

The Samoa international prop, who has been capped seven times, made his first-grade debut for the Sydney Roosters during the 2010 campaign before joining the Penrith Panthers in 2013.

Saints Chief Executive Mike Rush added: “Naturally we’re disappointed to lose Mose but we wouldn’t stand in the way of a player who wants to return home.

“He is enjoying his time in St Helens and has settled in well - becoming a real fans' favourite.

“Having spoken to Mose he is determined to finish the rest of this season on a high and once again cap it with a Grand Final winner’s medal.”