Dragons forward Josh Kerr has made an early exit from the St. George Illawarra Dragons, joining the Dolphins with immediate effect.
The 27-year-old had already inked a two-year contract to play with the Dolphins, which was set to begin in 2024.
He will now be available for selection for his new club's next game against the Eels at home on Saturday.
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Kerr made 68 appearances for the Red V since making his debut back in 2019 but has struggled for consistency in the top grade during his tenure.
He appeared off the bench in all 14 games for the Dragons this campaign and is capable of playing in both the middle and on the edge.
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Dolphins CEO Terry Reader heralded the signing as an important one for the club when the initial deal was struck.
“Josh is a really important recruit for the Dolphins and a good story for the game in general,” he said.
"One of the key reasons to put in the 17th team was to give more young local players a pathway to the NRL through our system.
“Josh is an example of a good young Dolphins player that had to head to first Melbourne and then Sydney to make it in the NRL. Now he will be able to represent his junior club in the best rugby league competition in the world.
“In addition, he is a big and fast athletic forward with a point of difference who will add some size and balance to our pack ... and there is no doubt with his local history that Josh will become an immediate fan favourite with the Dolphins.”
Josh Kerr To Join Our Pack In 2024 🐬💪 pic.twitter.com/9IWvgwOrUn
— The Dolphins (@dolphinsnrl) April 26, 2023
The Dragons can confirm Josh Kerr will depart the club at the end of the season. Thanks for everything (so far) Kerry 🐉 🐉 #redv pic.twitter.com/UGpm4f6YqU
— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) April 26, 2023
Kerr will be joined by the likes of Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler next year.