Manu set for Saints, reveals Pearson

The Tongan second-row, 32, has been a major performer for the East Yorkshire club but will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Hull offered the Exiles star a new deal and wanted an answer by the weekend.

But Pearson told the Yorkshire Post: “I think he’s going to Saints.

“We’re disappointed to lose Willie and offered him probably the biggest contract at the club to stay.

“But good luck to him. He’s taken a three-year deal at Saints and we’ve got four or five players coming in.”

England international Gareth Ellis will be a ready-made replacement when he arrives from Wests Tigers in 2013 but Pearson says the club is also hoping to cement captain Andy Lynch and Danny Tickle on long-term deals.

Many people raised eyebrows when Hull paid a six-figure fee for 32-year-old Bradford captain Lynch last winter but the prop has been a revelation in their excellent start while Tickle continues to impress as one of Super League’s top second-rows.

“Lynchy’s been outstanding along with Danny Houghton and Danny Tickle,” said Pearson.

“They’re the nucleus of what we want to build the team around.

“Danny Houghton’s already tied down but we’re hoping to get Tickle and Lynchy too.

“We’re happy to extend their deals really as reward for the type of character they’ve shown to be.”