Prop Michael Weyman will leave St George Illawarra at the end of the NRL season to take up a two-year deal with Super League’s Hull Kingston Rovers.
The future of the former NSW State of Origin and Australian forward has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks as the struggling Dragons continue to rejuvenate their roster ahead of 2014.
And confirmation came on Friday from Hull KR chief executive Mike Smith that Weyman will head to England at the end of the season.
“Michael is a player of the highest calibre and you only have to look at his record to see that he’s been there and done it at the very top level,” Smith told the Hull KR website.
“As a club, we’ve targeted high quality acquisitions to replace the players who will leave us at the end of the current season and Michael definitely fits that bill.”
Rovers coach Craig Sandercock welcomed the acquisition of Weyman.
“Michael is a big bloke and a class player who will bring a lot of quality and experience to our team,” Sandercock said.
“He’ll also provide terrific leadership to our younger players and for them it’ll be a great opportunity to learn from someone who has played consistently at the top level in Australia.”
Weyman joined the Dragons in 2009 after six seasons with Canberra and was a key figure in the joint venture’s 2010 premiership win.
He has played 133 NRL games, four Origin matches for NSW and one Test for the Kangaroos.
The Dragons have bolstered their forwards stocks ahead of next season signing Warrington prop Mike Cooper and Raiders back-rower Troy Thompson, alongside Canberra playmaker Sam Williams, South Sydney centre Dylan Farrell and marquee acquisition Gareth Widdop from Melbourne.
Brisraider
Guest
Both Troy and Joel learned their trade at the Raiders. Real truth in the banner at the Gong on the weekend aimed at the Red V. Simply said "If you can't beat them, buy them." St George certainly have picked up some good ex-Raiders. With a host of clubs trying to pinch Raiders developed young players it is about time the NRL brought in some salary cap allowance for clubs that actually develop their own talen and don't rely on pinching players from other clubs. Look at the sides that have been at or near the top since the 20s started and it is easy to see which clubs put time and effort into young players.
Albion
Guest
Okiee has issues in his life that can not be explained. The guy was telling everyone that paul gallens punch in the SOO had destroyed the game. A few weeks later record tv ratings & crowds tell us a different story. Blames everything on the ARLC being based in Sydney despite a qldner being the chairman. Now somehow weyman going to hull kr means the manufacturing sector is going to go bankrupt. Deadset weirdo
The Koomz
Guest
Very good player in his prime. Illawarra trough and through.
Suffering Dragon
Guest
Mick offered a piddly contract by Dragons. Had no choice. Although other NRL clubs did not take a punt on him either. That last knee injury probably sealed his fate in the NRL as he has lot speed and punch. LOVE THE HORSE..Good guy, good player for us 2009-2011 (under Wayne Bennett). Enjoy life without Price Mick...it is over now. By the way hope Dragons got some props coming (like we need at least 2 first graders)
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
I know I'm asking for trouble, but how did you go from Weyman's move to England to Australian car manufacturing?
Casey Novak
Roar Rookie
Quality player, major influence in the dragons 2010 premiership campaign. Will bring them experience and will dominate Super League footy. I believe however we will see him back on Australian soil sometime next year, for some reason Australian forwards havent always adapted to the sunny shores of the commonwealth.
jamesb
Guest
Joel Thompson, not Troy
oikee
Guest
He has got the Bronze statue in his home-town, so he has already left a legacy, plus he won the Grand Final with St-George Illawarra. Did you hear that motor city Detroit has gone bankrupt. ? they owe 20 billion and the Population has halved. Car industry collapsed 2008, Melbourne will be next for the car industry to go belly up. The Government is propping 2 billion a year into it now. Injuries have not allowed him to play well this year.He will go well for Hull K R, better than Willie Mason hehe.
Jake
Guest
Troy Thompson plays for the Storm, not Dragons, mate. Anyways, I doubt the Dragons would have bought Troy, he's about 34.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Had Mick not been plagued with injuries all the way through his career, he may have gone down in the history books as one of the outstanding Props in the game, best of luck mate, I am sure that you will WOW the Poms. St George have ruined yet another player....
oikee
Guest
Micky Weyman is one of my favorite players. He will be great in English super league and i will look forward to warching him running around for the Robins. The Bulls Hullfc game this morning was a ripper. The underdogs got home.