SAINTS head coach Paul Wellens is delighted to have secured a replacement for the departing Tommy Makinson with the signing of NRL wing Kyle Feldt on a two-year deal.

The 6ft 3 flankman, who has earned a reputation as a prolific try-scorer with North Queensland Cowboys, will add pace and power to the Saints attack.

The 32-year-old becomes the second NRL recruit to be enlisted for the 2025 Super League season after the signing of the speedy Tristan Sailor.

Wellens said: “We are always looking to add quality to our squad and in Kyle we feel we have got exactly that, an experienced and very good player who no doubt will improve us as a team.

“So, I am very excited to have him as part of our squad for 2025.

“Losing a top player with experience like Tommy Makinson, who knows what it’s like to compete in big games, you have to look for someone with the same qualities.

“Kyle is exactly that, as an experienced player, a great ball carrier, a wonderful finisher, and he can kick goals too. He will add a lot to St Helens.”

Injuries have played a big part of the 2024 campaign but the silver lining to that dark cloud has been opportunities that has given to some of the squads Academy graduates.

So far this year the likes of Harry Robertson, Jonny Vaughan and George Whitby have poked their noses through into the first team – and there are others on the cusp of that breakthrough.

Wellens insists that men Feldt will be important addition to assist the young Saints players’ development from next term.

He said: “You look for players who will perform well and will add to our group, after having discussions with Kyle I know that another part of his role will be working alongside our younger outside backs, helping them develop.

“Kyle is comfortable doing that type of work, whilst coming to perform at his best and help the team be successful.”

Saints have other holes to fill and decisions to make ahead of the 2025 season, with external recruitment complement promotion from within.