St Helens have finalised a deal to sign Leigh Centurions forward James Bell.
The champions have long been chasing the former New Zealand Warriors forward, but have now completed a move for the 27-year-old.
Bell has been one of Leigh's top performers during their difficult campaign, which had resulted in interest from a number of clubs.
But it is Saints who have won the race for Bell, who will now link up with the club for 2022.
He will join the likes of Will Hopoate and Curtis Sironen at the club and is likely to line up alongside Joey Lussick and Konrad Hurrell at the Totally Wicked Stadium next season.
Bell made two NRL appearances before making the move to Toulouse Olympique in 2019, having caught the eye while on international duty for Scotland.
He has made five appearances for the Bravehearts and he spent two years in France before arriving in to Leigh.
Bell had initially signed for Toronto Wolfpack, but their demise made him a free agent and Leigh stepped in, though he will now depart after one year.
Leigh owner Derek Beaumont confirmed over the weekend that Bell was likely to be making his final home appearance for the club during their Super League victory over Wakefield on Sunday.
Bell will help replace the outgoing back-rowers Joel Thompson and James Bentley.
