The signing of their fourth new import last Friday, hooker Tom Starling from NRL side Canberra Raiders, took their quota over the 10-player limit.

That is with new head coach Kevin Walters having also recruited half-back Sean O'Sullivan, three-quarter Christian Tuipulotu and centre Solomona Faataape from overseas as part of his squad rebuild.

The confirmed incoming talent meant that one of Tristan Sailor, Nene Macdonald, Jacob Host, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, David Klemmer, Shane Wright and Curtis Sironen would have to leave The BrewDog Stadium.

It is now confirmed that Macdonald is the player to make way.

Saints have said in a statement this evening that mutual agreement has been reached with the Papua New Guinea international to release him from his remaining contract.

The centre joined St Helens under Paul Rowley's watch in December 2025 and featured in 13 matches during the year, scoring three tries, with his time in the Red V sadly hampered by injuries.

Saints now have a permitted 10 overseas players on their books and if they are to sign any more, again they would have to release to make way.

Meanwhile, Macdonald has been named in the PNG side set to face England at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday in a do-or-do Rugby League World Cup clash.

At some stage he could go head-to-head with his former Saints teammate Jack Welsby, who has been named on the bench for the third successive game and spent some time in the centres in the second half of Saturday's 82-0 win against France.