SAINTS boss Keiron Cunningham has described new signing Ryan Morgan as 'Lyonesque' but has admitted that recruiting players from Down Under has got so much tougher.

This week saw Travis Burns announce that he will be returning to Australia at the end of the year, which with the confirmed departure of Jordan Turner to the NRL, will free up more salary cap space to fill the positions that need strengthening.

With a question mark still hanging over out-of-contract Luke Walsh's future at the club, Saints could be looking for a new half back as well as looking to add something to the pack.

But Cunningham said scouring the Australian market for players that fit the bill is now so much tougher.

He said: “The salary cap that is two-and-a-half times ours and in 2018, when it will go up to $10m, it is going to get tougher.

“As a recruiter I have got to do homework on everybody and make sure they fit the bill.

“We got one with Ryan Morgan when we had a conversation with Brad Arthur after which he was happy for Ryan to move on.

“You have got to try and get the jump on the market.

“Ryan Morgan is definitely going to be Jamie Lyonesque."

Morgan's addition will give Saints the strongest backline with two tradesmen centres for the first time since Willie Talau left.

Cunningham added: “If you look at the good sides a back five is vital.

“When Tommy is fit he is one of the best wingers in the league, Swifty can score from anywhere, and is an immense talent, combine centres Ryan Morgan with Mark Percival we get genuine strike on both sides.

"Dom Peyroux can still play other positions."

Out-of-contract scrum half Luke Walsh continues to be subject to speculation in the NRL with North Queensland Cowboys being the latest club linked with him.

He had previously been linked with Manly, although his departure from Saints has not been confirmed.

When asked Cunningham replied: “Me and Luke had a conversation at the start of the year.

“He would look about and so would we and we would make a decision where we are all at.

“We are looking hard and have dodged a couple of bullets that didn’t seem quite right for us.

“If I can improve the team by bringing someone in, I will, but I don’t want to bring someone in and then be stuck with them on 3 ½ years and have bosses tapping me on the shoulder.

“We have a good understanding of the cap, I am sure before final ball is kicked this year we will se a couple more come through.”