Ben Barba will leave St Helens at the end of the season, it has been announced.
The 29-year-old, who has played 32 games for the club, is set to join North Queensland Cowboys.
Barba signed for Saints last May after rejecting an offer from Warrington but had to wait until August to make his debut after losing an appeal against a 12-match ban imposed by the NRL after he tested positive for cocaine while at Cronulla.
He was a front-runner for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award after producing some sensational form in the first half of the 2018 season and, although he went through a lull, he scored two tries, taking his tally for the season to 26, in Saints' impressive win over Warrington last Saturday.
Barba said: “Playing in England and St Helens in particular has been a wonderful experience for myself and my family.
"I cannot thank the club, fans and most importantly Chairman Eamonn McManus, CEO Mike Rush, Coach Justin Holbrook, my teammates and their families on how they welcomed me and my family into the club.
“They supported me when I needed it most and I am appreciative of the understanding and compassion in allowing me to return home.
“I want to finish the season off playing my best football for the club and fans and hopefully capping off a successful season.”
Head Coach Justin Holbrook said: “Benny has been fantastic for us this season.
"From round one to 16 he was brilliant, but he picked up some niggling injuries which has hampered him over the last 10 or so weeks.
“He is now over those and wants to finish the year strong.
“We would have loved to have kept Ben for next season but he wants to return home and to the NRL.
"It is hard to stop that from happening but it hasn’t affected himself or the team with this decision.
“I wish him all the best for his future. We now look forward to the rest of the season.”