SAINTS have signed Shannon McDonnell until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old full back joins as a free agent having previously been with Hull FC.

“Shannon is a great addition for us,” Saints Head Coach Nathan Brown said. “He has a lot of experience in his position and will add strength and depth to our squad.

“Losing Jonny Lomax for the rest of the year has seen Paul Wellens move back to a position he has played in for most of his career.

“If he wasn’t available or we needed him to play elsewhere then we don’t have anyone with that amount of experience to play in one of the toughest positions in the game.

“Bringing in Shannon means we have someone with a lot of experience to fill that role.

“He has already joined up with our squad and if everything goes well then he will play a game with one of our partnership clubs next week. We can then see where he is at.

“This is a great deal for us and a bonus for Shannon as he can play at a club that is doing well and showcase his talent to Super League and the rest of the world.”

Shannon is predominately a full back who has played for Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights in the NRL.

He represented New South Wales at Under 19s and was an Australian Junior Kangaroo.

In 2011, he moved to Hull KR and two years later joined their rivals at the KC Stadium.

As well as making more than 100 career appearances, he played for the Exiles in 2012.

“I’m pleased to be part of this club,” Shannon said. “It has great traditions, coaching staff and players and this is a good opportunity for me to come and play rugby league again.

“I am keen to get training and playing and I will get my head down and take each game as it comes.

“I like to play off the cuff and be consistent in both defence and attack. I am a full back but I will stick my hand up to play wherever the coach wants me to.”