St.Helens R.F.C. has secured the signing of energetic hooker Tom Starling from NRL side Canberra Raiders ahead of the 2027 season!
The Australian dummy half has put pen to paper on a three-year deal, becoming our fourth new signing ahead of next season under new Head Coach Kevin Walters.
Starling joins Sean O’Sullivan, Christian Tuipulotu and Solomona Faataape as the Club’s new signings ahead of the 2027 season, with the quartet set to begin training with the Saints in pre-season.
The 28-year-old made his NRL debut with the Newcastle Knights in 2018 before moving to Canberra, where he has played for the last eight seasons. During his NRL career, he has made 156 appearances, scored 17 tries, won the 2025 NRL minor premiership and represented the Prime Minister’s XIII.
At Canberra, Starling has established himself as a leader and one of the NRL’s most exciting hookers, combining an incisive running game with sharp service from the ruck and a highly competitive attitude.
A new challenge now awaits Starling in the UK, with his arrival providing an exciting addition to the Saints’ squad and Super League.
Speaking about becoming a Saint, Tom Starling told saintsrlfc.com: “This is such a great opportunity to be able to join such a prestigious club as St.Helens. I’m a bit of a rugby league nerd, so I keep up to date with Super League, and I’ve always admired the competition from afar, the style of rugby and the toughness of it. I’ve played alongside a few of the English lads in Canberra, and you see the passion they have for their clubs.
“I feel like I’ll fit in really well. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I can see that same passion in the people of St.Helens. It’s a very passionate, loyal fanbase, and that reflects the way I play.
“I love the expectation of winning trophies. That’s why I play the game: to win, play with a bit of style and show passion. I’m so excited to get over there, immerse myself in the town and community, and become a Saint.”
Starling is also looking forward to working under Kevin Walters, who coached him in the Prime Minister’s XIII.
“I’ve seen how intense he is with his training, and so when Kevvie called and asked if I’d be interested in coming, he spoke about his plans for the Club and what he wants to achieve. I was ready to go there and then!
“Having Kevvie there was a massive draw for me. Saints is a big enough draw in itself, but having him involved will be huge. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together over the coming years. I’m really excited to play under him.”
CEO of St.Helens R.F.C. Abi Ekoku welcomed Tom Starling to the Club and said: “Tom’s desire to join the Club has been infectious, and his hunger for success stands out.
“Saints supporters will embrace his skill, leadership & fierce competitiveness, and we look forward to welcoming him at the BrewDog Stadium.”
