St Helens is actively pursuing players from the NRL as they prepare for significant changes to their roster for the upcoming season. Kevin Walters is set to take over as head coach following the Rugby League World Cup.
The club has already secured former St George Illawarra winger Christian Tuipulotu and veteran Bulldogs utility Sean O'Sullivan, both joining the Saints in 2027.
Reports from the UK suggest that Sam Verrills, a hooker currently sidelined with the Gold Coast Titans, is close to joining St Helens as well.
Verrills, a premiership player with the Sydney Roosters in 2019, began the last season as the Titans' top hooker but ended up playing only 13 matches due to losing his starting role to Oliver Pascoe and Luke Sommerton, both favored by new coach Josh Hannay.
Given that the Titans informed the 27-year-old mid-season he would not receive a new contract, his potential exit aligns with previous speculation linking him to the Catalans Dragons.
The Saints feature several current Australian players, including Tristan Sailor, Curtis Sironen, David Klemmer, and Jackson Hastings. With Tuipulotu, O'Sullivan, and potentially Verrills coming on board, St Helens may look to release at least one player ahead of 2027.
This week, Verrills' partner Teagan Parker made headlines for her biting post on social media, stating, "Thank god that's over," in reference to the Titans' season concluding last Friday night.