Saints sign World Cup full back Lachlan Coote from North Queensland Cowboys

The 28-year-old Grand Final has signed a three-year contract and will arrive in St Helens in the off-season.

The Scotland World Cup player joins from North Queensland Cowboys - where he effectively swaps places with Barba.

It ends months of speculation linking the player with the club.

Coote said: “My family and I are really excited to be moving to England.

“It is a great opportunity to play for such a proud and successful club and I’m really looking forward to settling in and kicking off the 2019 season.”

Coote has played 166 times in the NRL after making his debut for Penrith in 2008.

He made 83 appearances for the Panthers before he signed for Cowboys in 2014 where he played a key part in North Queensland’s run to the 2015 Grand Final, defeating Brisbane Broncos 17-16 in Golden Point.

The following year the Cowboys became World Champions

and Coote scored in the 38-4 win over Leeds at Headingley.

Coach Justin Holbrook said: "I’m really excited to have such a quality player coming to our club.

“He is an exciting player with a good kicking game and vision.

“He will suit our club perfectly.”

Coote played City Origin in 2012 and lined up for the Prime Minister’s XIII in their end-of-season match against Papua New Guinea.

He played three times for Scotland.

Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus added: “Lachlan is a proven top class full back or half back with a great all round game.

"He’s performed for years at the highest level and will also provide experience and leadership within an already strong Saints squad

next season and beyond.

“We are all looking forward to welcoming him to the club.”

Saints have already announced the signing of Kevin Naiqama, who will play in the centres, with with second row Joe Batchelor joining from York.

Joseph Paulo replaces Jon Wilkin in the loose forward role.

Coote signing means that Jonny Lomax, who has had an outstanding year in the halves, will continue at six.