DEPARTING Saint Joe Greenwood and his replacement in the second row Zeb Tai have taken to social media to express their feelings ahead of their swaps that will see them trade places.

Greenwood, a Saint for the past nine years, will join NRL outfit Gold Coast Titans with immediate effect.

In return Saints will get the powerful and vastly experienced second row Taia on a three-year deal.

Greenwood stated: “What am experience I have had with lots of memories that will last forever.

Just like to thank everyone at St Helens – I would not be where I am today without them, especially the coaching staff, from academy up to Kez (Keiron Cunningham), his team and the boys I take the field with.

“I want to thank all the fans for being awesome and getting behind us week in, week out.

“I have been playing at St Helens from the academy level through to the first team for nine years, making it a big decision for me and my family.

“However, it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“Looking forward to starting my new chapter with Gold Coast Titans, it’s going to be an exciting challenge but can’t wait to get stuck in with the boys.”

The 32-year-old Taia, who had a storming stint in Super League with Catalans Dragons, had a fine return to the NRL with Titans.

But he is looking forward to heading back to Europe where he will add penetration and aggression to the Saints back row.

He posted on his Instagram account: “Thanks for showing me heaps of love @saints1890.

“I'm looking forward to putting on the new colours soon.

“I'm grateful for the opportunity that has risen in front of me and my family, and I can't wait to get there and rip in for a club that has so much proud history.

“Special thanks to my team mates at the Gold Coast Titans for showing me support in this tough decision - at the end of the day it's a tough business and I had every intention to be a Titan for the 2017 season but opportunities pop up and this was too hard to refuse.

“Much love to the Titans fans that have embraced me as one of their own over the 2016 season.

“I hope this current squad brings you success over the next couple of years cause you guys deserve it.”