Tongan rugby league international star, Will Hopoate has signed with St Helen’s in the UK for two years starting in 2022.

The 29-year-old will reunite with Tonga’s Rugby League coach, and current head coach at St Helen's, Kristian Woolf, who is a big reason why he decided to move to the UK, according to the St Helens Star media.

“I am very happy and excited to be making the move to St Helens and to play for such a proud and historic club. I have never been to the UK before and I am excited to be a part of it all,” said Will.

“I have been coached by ‘Woolfie’ before for Tonga and that was a big reason why I made the decision.

“I know him as a person and as a coach and his values and standards that he sets is something I want to buy in to.”

Will has had 11 appearances for Tonga and has captained the side. He was part of Tonga’s star-studded team that reached the semi-finals in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, and also part of the Tonga’s historic win against Australia and Great Britain in 2019.

Will is currently with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. He has played for Manly Sea Eagles, and the Parramatta Eels, and has played five State of Origin games for New South Wales.

Meanwhile, Kristian Woolf is happy to have Will in his team next year.

“Will is a guy I know extremely well. He has played for Tonga since 2016 and captained Tonga in the past too, which shows what a strong character he is.”

“From a personal point of view, he is not just a good player, but is a great bloke and will fit into the community and Club really well.”