Experienced South Sydney forward Siliva Havili is on the verge of joining Super League powerhouse St Helens next year.
The 32-year-old is off-contract at the end of the season and is expected to be squeezed out of the Rabbitohs following their mid-season signing of Brandon Smith who plays a very similar role to the former Raider.
Though it remains to be seen if Smiths recent police charges will effect Havili leaving Redfern, reports suggest he is all but Super League bound.
Havili has been a versatile and reliable presence in the NRL, known for his work rate, defensive consistency, and ability to provide depth across the middle of the park whilst covering hooker.
Since making his debut with the Warriors in 2014, he has bounced around several clubs, including stints at the Dragons and Raiders, before finally finding a home at South Sydney in 2022.
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During his time at the Rabbitohs, Havili has contributed both on and off the field, bringing valuable experience to a squad that combines youthful talent with premiership-winning pedigree.
The nuggety rake-turned-middle forward has also represented Tonga with passion and pride on the international stage.
A move to St Helens represents a fresh challenge for Havili and gives him the opportunity to play a key role at one of the Super League’s powerhouse clubs.
Havili has previously revealed in interviews that he received approaches from both NRL and Super League sides, but like many players in the later stages of their career, the offers from England are often more lucrative.
For South Sydney, Havili will no doubt be missed, but with the arrival of Brandon Smith and the emergence of young middle forwards like Lachlan Hubner, the timing is probably right for the Rabbitohs to move forward.