Sam Tagataese has left Cronulla to join Brisbane.
The 31-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the Broncos and joins fellow 2016 Sharks premiership-winner Jack Bird north of the border.
Tagataese has played 168 NRL games and his experience could prove vital for Brisbane who have lost forwards Adam Blair (Warriors) and Herman Ese’ese (Knights).
Despite only managing 12 appearances for Cronulla last season due to injury, Tagataese will be missed at the club and in the community. He was acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to the community with the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal in October.
Tagataese continues the turnover of players at Cronulla. Along with he and Bird (Brisbane), James Maloney (Penrith), Chris Heighington (Newcastle), Jeremy Latimore (St George Illawarra), Gerard Beale (Warriors) and Fa’amanu Brown (Canterbury) will all play elsewhere in 2018.
As well as big name recruits Josh Dugan (St George Illawarra) and Matt Moylan (Penrith), the Sharks have signed Aaron Gray (South Sydney), Ava Seumanufagai (Wests Tigers), Scott Sorensen (Canberra) and Braden Uele (North Queensland).
Meanwhile, St George Illawarra have announced Cameron McInnes has extended his contract with the club for a further three seasons.
The 23-year-old hooker will form an integral part of the red V’s new-look spine next season alongside halves Gareth Widdop and Ben Hunt.