St George Illawarra have granted Kurt Mann a release from the final year of his contract to take up a three-year deal with Newcastle.
Mann played 60 games for the Dragons since joining from Melbourne at the start of the 2016 campaign.
The 25-year-old is likely to start the 2019 season at hooker for the Knights having failed to nail down a starting spot at St George Illawarra despite an ability to cover a number of positions.
“I want to thank the Dragons and its members and fans for all their support over the past three years. It has meant so much to have worn the red V jumper,” Mann said.
“I am also very appreciative to the Dragons for allowing me the opportunity to shore up my long-term future in the NRL by agreeing to release me.
“It wasn't an easy decision as I've formed many lifelong friendships over the years I've spent at the Dragons and I wish them all the best in the coming season.”
Dragons director of rugby league pathways and list management Ian Millward said in a statement the club had factored in Mann’s personal situation when deciding to grant the release.
“We have been in dialogue with Kurt and his management for a long period of time,” Millward said.
“He was offered a long-term contract and more security in regards to his playing minutes and being a starting player. We understood his desires regarding this, one he's been persistent about it.
“At this point, we haven't found a suitable replacement. We're still on the lookout for someone. But we also feel we're in a much better position financially and we will be ready to move those funds when the right person becomes available.”
The Dragons still have three spots to fill in their top 30 roster and Millward said the club was still on the hunt for a quality outside back. It has been reported that St George Illawarra were keen on Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman.
“The market dictates a lot what you're looking for as well as clubs and player movement. We're still on the lookout for an outside back of some quality,” Millward said.
“We will sign a couple of players but they aren't at the moment what we're looking for in terms of Kurt's replacement.
“We also know we have plenty of really good emerging players here at this club who are ready for an opportunity.
“You look at Jai Field, Zac Lomax, Reece Robson and even players like Blake Lawrie and Jacob Host who will be looking to make further inroads in their own NRL careers.”
