Unwanted Parramatta utility Adam Quinlan will join Super League club St Helens on a short-term contract to ease their fullback crisis.
Saints have used six players in the fullback role this year, including former Newcastle and West Tigers custodian Shannon McDonnell who recently joined the club's lengthening injury list with a snapped Achilles tendon.
Quinlan, 22, joined the Eels from St George Illawarra at the start of the year but has since been playing for feeder club Wentworthville and will link up with Saints as soon as he receives his visa.
Already without Jonny Lomax and back-up Tom Makinson through injury, and with Paul Wellens and Lance Hohaia both retired, St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham says he tried to sign the 22-year-old Quinlan earlier in the year.
"We're lucky enough to get the signature of Adam Quinlan," Cunningham told Super League TV.
"We looked at Adam originally when we had a few injuries. Shannon became available so we went with him. I think Adam was kicking himself that he didn't make the decision to come.
"I spoke to him again when Shannon got injured and he is itching to come. He's a good fullback and is an ex-halfback so he understands the game.
"He's a real exciting player."
Quinlan will be eligible for St Helens' Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds on July 31.
