Paasi joins Saints

13 Nov 2020

Paasi joins Saints

Following confirmation of his visa, St.Helens R.F.C. can now confirm Agnatius Paasi will join the club in 2021 after signing a two-year deal, with the option for a third.

The Tongan born prop has signed from the Vodaphone [New Zealand] Warriors where he was one of their stand-out players in 2019, being a regular starting prop, averaging over 100 metres and 28 tackles a game.

The 28-year-old, who only signed a three-year deal with the Warriors in 2019, was hampered by an early season ankle injury playing six times and scoring twice in 2020 and has now opted for a new challenge with the Super League Champions in 2021.

Paasi, nicknamed ‘IGGY’, weighs in at nearly 114kg [18 stone] and will offer some explosive pace and power in the Saints forward pack next season.

On signing for the Saints, Paasi said: “I am delighted to have signed with St Helens and my family and I cannot wait to come over and start our new life in England. 

“I know Kristian Woolf after playing for Tonga under him and he was a big reason why I opted to join the Saints. I want to prove myself to him and the fans, train hard and play my best.

“St.Helens is a great vlub with a history of success and hopefully I can come over play my heart out and continue that success.??

Head Coach Kristian Woolf said: “Iggy is a great ball carrier. He is as good a ball carrier I have seen in the NRL and has a similar influence with the ball in hand. 

“On top of that, he has a terrific skill set and offload ability along with a pre-line pass ability. He is the type of player that can turn the momentum of a game in your favour and he is a big defensive player too. All of which I feel will really add to our team. 

“I have coached him for Tonga and I remember we played against PNG in the most arduous conditions I have ever been involved in. It was a tough, tight game where you need to stand up and be counted and he was one of the ones who really stood out.

“We are looking forward to having him with us ahead of the 2021 season.??