Meli in, Albert out at St Helens

St Helens have agreed to release winger Darren Albert after completing the signing of New Zealand international Francis Meli.

Albert recently signed a new contract at Knowsley Road and has been offered a deal by Australian side Cronulla Sharks.

The signing of 25-year-old Meli for 2006 has now given Saints the flexibility to allow Albert to pursue other options.

Albert added: "This was a very difficult request for me to make as I have had a great four years with the Saints and was looking forward to a couple more.

"However the offer from Cronulla may not arise again and I have always wanted to finish my career back home in Australia."

The signing of Meli will reunite the Kiwi with Daniel Anderson, who coached him at New Zealand Warriors and with the national side.

Saints coach Anderson said: ?I know Francis well, having already coached him for three years. He will complement perfectly the backline which we have for next season.?

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Thanks to www.superleague.co.ukfor this news.