Cronulla will become beneficiaries of Canterbury’s salary cap issues for the second time in a month with the signing of experienced outside back Josh Morris.
The Sharks have not yet confirmed the signing but are expected to announce the capture of Morris on Wednesday, with the former Dragon reportedly joining Cronulla on a two-year deal starting in 2019.
Morris, who joined Canterbury from St George Illawarra in 2009, is the latest big name player to depart Belmore after former NSW and Australia prop Aaron Woods joined the Sharks mid-season late last month.
Moses Mbye also left Canterbury to join the Wests Tigers before the June 30 deadline.
With Cronulla losing Edrick Lee and Jesse Ramien to Newcastle and 2016 premiership-winning centre Ricky Leutele to the Toronto Wolfpack next season, Morris will provide much-needed depth in the Sharks’ outside backs.
The 31-year-old, who has played 208 games and scored 100 tries for the Bulldogs, will also add experience. Morris helped Canterbury to the 2012 and 2014 grand finals and has played 14 State of Origin matches for NSW and made six appearances for Australia.
Morris, from Kiama, has also represented Country Origin, the Prime Minister’s XIII and the NRL All-Stars.
With Cronulla desperate to retain star fullback Valentine Holmes, it is likely Morris could join Josh Dugan in the centres for Cronulla next season with the club also expected to announce the re-signing of talented young winger Sione Katoa.