Waqa Blake, a centre for the Parramatta Eels, has finally filled the number three shirt for St Helens, completing the 2024 team.
Before the 2024 season, the center joins the Saints and dons the renowned number three shirt that has been worn by players like Mal Meninga, Jamie Lyon, Matt Gidley, Kevin Naiqama, and Matt Gidley.
Although it may surprise you to learn that Blake used to be one of the most paid athletes on the planet, he will aim to build on that legacy.
In fact, he ranked 68th in the rugby league rich list on a contract worth a huge $650,000 and over a million in terms of its overall value. It is unclear what money he is earning at St Helens who recently gave a bumper new deal to Jack Welsby with talk of a similar deal going to Lewis
Speaking on the Saints’ official website, Blake expressed his enthusiasm for the next task, saying, “I can’t wait! As soon as Paul [Wellens] and Mike [Rush] gave me a ring to say it was finished, I couldn’t wait to travel over, especially to a fantastic club like St Helens. The change from heat to cold is something I’m looking forward to!
“I’m hoping I can fit in and we can win another one. Coming to a club like St Helens, where they’ve always been in the top four or top two, and then such a massive event winning four in a row. I can’t wait to come to work after seeing all of the players and strike that they have there.
Blake’s signing is great for the Club and the Betfred Super League, and the player, who was born in Lautoka, has heard a lot about rugby league played in the northern hemisphere from a former Saint.
“I believe that the Super League is improving. I witnessed St Helens defeat Penrith in the World Club Challenge the previous year, and nobody would have predicted it.” The England team that faced Tonga demonstrated the improving standard of football.
