The worst kept secret in the UK's Super League has finally been confirmed after ex-North Queensland fullback Lachlan Coote officially signed with St Helens in a straight swap with Ben Barba.
Coote, 28, has inked a three-year Saints deal to fill the big shoes left by former Dally M Medallist Barba, who has signed with the Cowboys for 2019.
Barba has been shortlisted for the Super League's Dally M Medal equivalent, the Man of Steel award, to be presented on October 8.
It comes after he was the competition's top tryscorer, with 26 tries in 21 games, to help the Saints claim the League Leaders' Shield and be one game away from a grand final appearance.
Coote will look to regain his mojo at St Helens after falling out of favour with Cowboys coach Paul Green this season.
Hampered by hamstring injuries, Coote was restricted to just nine NRL games in 2018 as the early premiership favourites slumped to finish 13th.
"My family and I are really excited to be moving to England," Scotland international Coote said.
"It is a great opportunity to play for such a proud and successful club and I'm really looking forward to settling in and kicking off the 2019 season."
Coote was a member of the 2015 Cowboys premiership side, playing a total of 166 NRL games, including 83 over the last four seasons for North Queensland.
"He is an exciting player with a good kicking game and vision," Saints coach Justin Holbrook said.
"He will suit our club perfectly."
Saints chairman Eamonn McManus hinted Coote may even be considered for halfback at the club next year.
"Lachlan is a proven top class fullback or halfback with a great all-round game," he said.
"He's performed for years at the highest level and will also provide experience and leadership within an already strong Saints squad next season and beyond."
Coote is the Saints' third NRL player signed for 2019, alongside Wests Tigers' Fijian skipper Kevin Naiqama and Cronulla forward Joseph Paulo.
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