St George Illawarra have copped a major blow with skipper Cameron McInnes set to leave the club at the end of the season to join NRL rivals Cronulla on a four-year deal.
The 27-year-old has been the best player at the Dragons for the past two seasons but has not been offered a contract by the club beyond the end of 2021.
It’s a move that is sure to anger fans given McInnes has been the most consistent player for the side in recent years and was only last year handed the club captaincy.
McInnes’ leadership was thought to be crucial for the Dragons to rediscover success under new coach Anthony Griffin.
However, it’s understood McInnes signed the deal with the Sharks on Tuesday morning, with the announcement to be confirmed by both clubs later in the day.
The Dragons have been linked for some time with a swoop for Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough, who has worked with Griffin in the past.
While the Sharks already have Blayke Brailey at hooker, McInnes is expected to file the role of lock, where he has played intermittently for the Dragons in 2020.
The loss of McInnes for next season is set to clear the path for McCullough to join the Dragons.
The Sharks will be the third club for NSW Origin hopeful McInnes, after starting his career with South Sydney in 2014 before moving to the Dragons in 2017.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I'm not sure B.M is still at the Sharks. He's a bit ordinary I'm afraid.
Dan
Roar Rookie
Everyone seems to be forgetting - who is a major hooker off contract at the end of 21? The Cheese of course. I reckon (hopefully) they’ll be having a crack at Smith. That could be the only reason they’d want Mcullogh around as a stop gap measure, because there’s every chance they’ll let McInnes go. The one problem they had with McInnes is that his heart wasn’t in it when they punted Mary, and he likes to run his own show. Hook wasn’t gonna have that. Not to mention, they should be able to throw big bucks at the Cheese. Don’t know why he’s gone to the loser gummies though, he’s adamant he wants to play hooker and he’ll be stuck at lock there too. Not the worst thing that could happen really. He gave 110% but was he really a game breaking hooker?
TIGER MIKE
Guest
Yes it’s conflict of interest writ large, It’s like your wife .. yes yours saying In 12 months I’m going over to the neighbours Jack moving in for good but hey until then I’ll stay here oh and he pays me better
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Yes and the casinos and clubs thank you.
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Screech died??? Is Tiffany-Amber still OK???
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
That's a sweet set of deals. I wouldn't hold your breath on all of those, but any that come through will be welcomed...
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Your phasing of "pushed him into Cronulla's arms" has me in bits. A bit like the end of Dirty Dancing..... :silly: :silly:
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Brailey is the future for the club. CMc will be playing lock. It's Billy Magoulias that I am concerned about.
Camel Carney
Guest
Hunt's going to hooker, McInnes to play lock. Peats off the bench with Norman & Clune/Sullivan in the halves. Regardless what we all say I believe hook will get the job done, he's an NRL coach ffs and we're all just couch critics
Tony
Roar Guru
Don't panic Succhi, we've still got Norman
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I think there is something very wrong with the joint venture club. I would have thought McInnes would have been one of the hardest toilers in the club. Sure, no superstar but a hard worker and captain to boot. They seem to be letting the good ones go and keeping the under performing ones?
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
How does the NRL allow this to happen? The captain of a club, no less, signing with a rival club for the following season! It has to have a demoralising effect on the supporters. It’s just weird.
Tony
Roar Guru
Ian Millward's probably on the phone to Darius right now
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Strange recruiting and retention by the Dragons. McInnes has been one of their best since he’s been there, Ben Hunt has struggled at half and hooker. Now it emerges that Folau is being pursued?
max power
Guest
What a horrible day 1) Screech from Saved by the Bell dies of cancer 2) Dragons let their best player go to bitter rival without swinging a shot 3) Dragons will replace him with an ageing hooker that the wooden spooners cant find a spot for 4) Dragons number 1 problem (Corey Norman) is going to be given a new 3 year contract based on training well 5) Dragons sign an ageing religious zealot that hasnt played the game in a decade i feel that someone is paying Griffen to destroy the club or he is so stubborn hes making decisions out of spite. his twitter comments (since deleted) show his true character. funny how both his former clubs improved remarkably after he left. Its like his stubbornness and old school ways were holding them back
andrew
Roar Rookie
Geez Barry, i don't know if Griffin reads the Roar but don't give him ideas.
Phil
Roar Rookie
They may as well as they are after McCulloch and now Israel Folau. Good to see them going for youthful players.
Tony
Roar Guru
I heard that they might go after Darius :stoked:
browndog
Roar Rookie
The bigger news is the potential signing of Folau for two years. Drags are on a headline grab at present!
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Mysteriously the Dragons didn’t even pay him the courtesy of a formal offer. The heart of the club has just been ripped out and handed to the Sharks ($500k absolute bargain for a quality player with proven commitment). Guess that seals Woodsy's demise..next hopefully Moylan for Jahrome and Doogs for Staggs.. Bombers locking himself in..