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Tackling specialist David Stagg is headed to the Bulldogs next season with Brisbane honouring its word to release him from his 2009 NRL contract.
Stagg, who played Origin in 2006, exercised his option earlier this year to stay with the Broncos next season.
But the club told him in May if he received a better offer they would release him because of his service to the club.
Incoming coach Ivan Henjak was keen for Stagg to stay because of his experience with such a young squad next season.
But the Bulldogs, who recently dumped Test player Reni Maitua, came up with a two year package deal which included the lure of a guaranteed starting spot in the No.13 jumper.
Stagg, who rejected an offer from English Super League side Salford, will link up with former Brisbane teammates Ben Hannant and Michael Ennis at the Bulldogs in 2009.
“I’ve come to terms and I’ll be doing the paperwork today,” said Stagg on Monday.
“The offer only came up after the Reni situation but they were interested back in April when I was having discussions with Brisbane about taking up my option.
“I also got an offer from Salford which was financially better, but my wife was due to have our baby in August and we decided to stay home.
“Position-wise, playing No.13 (lock) is always something I’ve wanted to do and they’ve indicated they want me to play there.”
Brisbane could have blocked Stagg’s move after the 25 year-old took up his option to play for them in 2009.
“He had an option to stay with us which he exercised last May which meant he was signed with us to the end of 2009,” said Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen.
“If we wanted, we could play hard ball and he would have to play for us next year.
“We’ve been honest and up front with him all the way through and said if the offer is what you want and better for you and your family, we won’t stand in your way.
“We’re going to honour our word.
“It wasn’t an easy decision because Ivan was keen for him to stay in 2009 and take advantage of his experience.”
Stagg said having both Ennis and Hannant at the Bulldogs club made the decision easier.
“With our daughter Page only fourth months old and both our families up here it was a big factor have Ben and Mick there,” he said.
“Their wives both get on with my wife Tamika and they both have young families.
“I was also impressed with the Bulldogs plans for the future and the signings they’ve been making.”
Stagg made his NRL debut against the Bulldogs in 2003.
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