SAINTS are set to bring in forward Joel Thompson from NRL club Manly in 2021.
The 31-year-old second-rower has been granted a release from the final year of his contract to allow a deal to go ahead, though Saints are yet to confirm a move.
Reports continue to emerge from Australia that he has been offered a longer contract at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
This news comes hot on the heels of Saints losing Test prop Luke Thompson to Canterbury Bulldogs, though the Aussie namesake is not a like-for-like capture.
Joel Thompson, who reportedly came close to signing with Hull FC last year, has also had spells with Canberra Raiders (2008-13) and St George Illawarra Dragons (2014-17) before joining the Sea Eagles in 2018 in a 225-game first-grade career so far.
Since arriving at Manly he has made 51 appearances.
He has been a regular representative of the Indigenous All Stars team, captaining the side earlier this year.
Thompson has a strong focus on helping in the community, including with mental health.
He was awarded the Ken Stephen Medal in 2016 for his outstanding community work.
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