Adam Clune will join the Newcastle Knights on a two-year deal after being released from the final year of his Dragons contract.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Albion Park-Oak Flats product has played 25 games for St George Illawarra, having made his debut as a 24-year-old last season.
Clune was contracted to the club until the end of 2022, however has featured in just 10 matches this year.
With the Dragons focused on the development of boom rookies Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan, it was unlikely the Group Seven product would receive much playing time next season.
"I want to thank the Dragons for giving me the opportunities that they have over the past 10 years," Clune said.
"The chance to shore up my long-term future elsewhere will be one that is out of my comfort zone but a great opportunity to continue my growth as a player and person.
"The club is in safe hands with the quality of young halves coming through the ranks and I'm excited to see how they develop from afar."
Clune's departure comes as the Dragons continue to overhaul their roster, which features Gerringong duo Tariq Sims and Jackson Ford.
Matt Dufty, Corey Norman and Brayden Wiliame headline the list of departing players, while Francis Molo, George Burgess and Jaydn Su'A will move to Wollongong to bolster the forward pack.
Monday's announcement comes as it was revealed Zac Lomax suffered another fracture thumb in Saturday's loss to the Cowboys.
Clune joins the Knights, coached by former Batemans Bay Tiger Adam O'Brien, as the club faces further uncertainty over their halves in the coming seasons.
Rumours continue to swirl around the future of halfback Mitchell Pearce, with the veteran linked to the Raiders, Tigers and Bulldogs in recent weeks.
Newcastle are also looking to plug the gap left by the departure of utility Connor Watson, with Clune potentially filling that void.
Knights recruitment manager Clint Zammit said the 26-year-old will provide valuable depth for the club.
"Adam is a mature player who will add quality depth to our halves next year," Zammit said.
"He is a game manager whose experience, attitude and work ethic will make him a valuable part of our squad."
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
