Lees has made almost 200 appearances for St Helens having joined them as a 16-year-old, making his senior debut at the age of 18.
The challenge of playing in the NRL, as well as its financial benefit, means he leaves with Rowley’s blessing.
“The Papua New Guinea train motors on. What a great servant to the club he’s been,” Rowley continued.
“The lure of tax-free money by the bucket-load is not one to be sniffed at. It’s a short career and everybody must make the most of it, so we wish him well in that and we hope he reaps the benefits of it, which will be two things.
“One, he’ll be challenging himself in a different competition and different lifestyle, and two, he reaps the financial benefits as well, which I have no doubt that he will.”