SAINTS are actively seeking to fix up the deficiencies in their squad for this year after Travis Burns’ loan move to Leigh created space under the salary cap.

Reports in Australia have linked the club with a move for Canberra Raiders’ Kiwi international forward Frank-Paul Nu’uausala for this this season, with other potential targets also being highlighted.

A number of glaring weaknesses have been exposed in Saints’ squad as the year has progressed - and another big man to add steel and aggression to the front row appears to be a priority.

Saints boss Keiron Cunningham would not confirm any targets or whether the club are moving in on the 29-year-old Wrecking Ball, he declared things were going to change “sooner rather than later”.

When asked if the 2013 World Cup finalist was heading to Langtree Park Cunningham said: “I hope so; He is a decent player and if someone’s name came up and is available now and is going to be good for us then I am sure we would be in the hunt.

“We cannot rule ourselves out of any type of player.

“If we can improve in a position, we are going to try and improve in a position. That is where we are at.

“Losing Travis Burns frees up space, but we have to be smart what we do with the money.

“We have been in situations where we have brought in overseas players and then after a year the have been an absolute rubber duck.

“When you are spending lots of money on players you cannot play you cannot justify that to your board or your fans who pay the money.

“It can hurt you on the salary cap for three years if they are not the right player or it costs lots of money to get them out the club.

“This year we have had players on decent money not playing rugby. You think what could you do with that money.

“The thing I have learned about coaching is that it is about patience.

“Things do turn ugly in the sport but I have to remain calm and collected with my decisions.

“Trust me, the club is going in the right direction and we have got lots to play for this year, but next year things will be completely different.

“We are aware of what is needed, things are going to change and it will probably happen sooner than later.”

Nu’uausala has spent the last two years at Canberra having enjoyed eight seasons at Sydney Roosters.

However, he has been displaced in the Raiders ranks by Parramatta mid-season signing Junior Paulo.

Speaking with the Sydney Morning Herald Canberra’s recruitment boss Peter Mulholland said: “I think St Helens are one of the clubs looking at him (Nu’uausala), but there’s no final decision he’s made yet.

“We wish him the best if it comes off. It’d extend his life in the game; he’s a good player and it is probably best going a year earlier than a year later.”

Saints have come in for some criticism for letting Burns go to Leigh for the remainder of the season, particularly as Luke Walsh is injured.

And to rub some salt into the wounds the former Hull KR stand off promptly came off the bench to score two tries and kick a couple of 40/20s in Centurions’ win at Whitehaven.

It would, however, make sense if that departure created space for someone else.

Cunningham added: “Travis is a great guy and a champion fella but it has not worked out.

“We can’t sit on our hands - Travis wants to play a bit of rugby.

“He did not want to stick around in the reserves with the off chance he may play a bit of nine.

“We have given him the opportunity to play some rugby and he has welcomed that.

“Travis has been determined to fight for his spot and wants to play a higher level of football than what he is playing at the minute.”

Burns does have another year to run on his contract at Saints after this one.