Travis Burns: St Helens sign Hull Kingston Rovers stand-off

Travis Burns will link up with former team-mate Luke Walsh

League Leaders' Shield winners St Helens have signed Travis Burns from Hull Kingston Rovers for £60,000.

The 30-year-old Australian stand-off has signed a three-year contract at Langtree Park for the 2015 season.

"Travis is a key signing for us," said Saints chairman Eamonn McManus.

"He's a proven, experienced stand-off, who will bring both quality and depth to our half-back combinations. He will also bring directness and toughness, as well as a strong kicking game."

Former Rovers head coach Craig Sandercock was Burns's assistant coach at Manly, Australia. And he proved to be a big influence on Burns signing for Rovers from Penrith Panthers in September 2012.

In another connection with his native country, Burns will link up with Saints half-back Luke Walsh, his old Penrith team-mate.

"Hull KR have been great to me and my family," said Burns. "Although I'm sad to leave, I am really excited to be joining Saints. It will be great linking with my friend and former team-mate Luke Walsh.

"Saints have a strong team who are looking to win silverware over the next few years and I am looking forward to being part of that."

Burns has scored close to 200 points in more than 40 games for the Robins, including twice being on the winning team for Rovers against Saints.