4. Joel Thompson

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The NRL veteran boasts 235 appearances in the competition since 2008 and will bring a great deal of experience to a St Helens side that waved goodbye to fellow back-rowers Zeb Taia, Joseph Paulo and Dom Peyroux, as well as the ultra-experienced club legend James Graham.

While Joel Thompson can in no way fill such a void, he will go a fair way in doing so. He brings an exceptional competitive attitude, and he is undoubtedly one of the tougher players about, having played through a split tongue against Newcastle Knights last season. His physicality and abrasive playing style will no doubt be a welcomed addition to the league.