NRL contract news: Warriors forward Josh Curran granted early release, signs two-year deal with Bulldogs

Liam O'Loughlin

NRL contract news: Warriors forward Josh Curran granted early release, signs two-year deal with Bulldogs image

Josh Curran has been granted an early release by the New Zealand Warriors, with the back-rower officially signing a two-year deal with the Bulldogs beginning in the 2024 season. 

After being granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs, the 24-year-old has jumped at the opportunity to head to Canterbury, despite heavy interest from the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Curran will add plenty of versatility to the Dogs pack with his ability to play on the edge or in the middle, with the club looking to continue a roster rebuild under the guidance of Phil Gould and Cameron Ciraldo.

The back-rower will become the fifth official signing heading to Belmore next year, with the likes of Stephen Crichton and Bronson Xerri brought into the strengthen the backline contingent.

MORE: Every NRL club's priority re-signing before November 1

Josh Curran granted Warriors release ahead of Bulldogs move

In a statement released on Thursday morning, the club revealed Curran will move back to Sydney effective immediately, with CEO Cameron George thanking him for his efforts across the ditch.

“We recently advised Josh that it was unlikely we would be able to re-sign him beyond next year,” he said. 

“We told him we were happy for him to see out his contract but if he did find an option that provided him with longer term security to please come back and talk to us.

“We’re pleased for him that he has found a new club and he leaves with our best wishes. We really appreciate the contribution Josh has made in his five seasons with us.”

Canterbury have now formally confirmed the signing, with the club's head of football Phil Gould praising the move.

"From the first time I saw Josh Curran play, he looked like a Bulldog to me," he said. 

"Once he became available, we just had to sign him up. At 24 years of age, his best football is clearly in front of him.

"We are very excited to have Josh in our club".

Josh Curran 2023 stats

Games 23
Tries 4
Tackle Breaks 29
Offloads 11
Avg. Run Metres 61m
Avg. Tackles 24
Tackle Efficiency 92%

 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.