Dragons skipper Cameron McInnes is has joined the Cronulla Sharks from the 2022 season.
As first reported by The Daily Telegraph's David Riccio and Phil Rothfield on Tuesday morning, the 27-year old has signed a four-year deal with Cronulla worth around $2 million.
The club confirmed in a statement that McInnes had inked a deal with the club for four seasons.
The off-contract McInnes' future has been of much conjecture in recent times, with the Dragons looking to pry Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough.
It has been reported that the Dragons were not keen to table him a new contract as they look to refine their salary cap, despite McInnes being their best player over the last two seasons.
He has been previously linked to Concord having met with former Souths coach and current Tigers mentor Michael Maguire before Christmas.
But the Sharks have reportedly swooped in and acquired him, with former coach Shane Flanagan believed to have been a big rap for him having worked as an assistant at the Red V in 2020.
“Cameron ticks all the boxes for us in that he has great attitude, he competes on every play and is an excellent defender. But not only is he respected for what he can do on the field, he is of outstanding character, is a thorough professional who looks after himself and we are adding someone to our squad who is a leader and will be a major asset to our young developing players,” Cronulla coach John Morris told sharks.com.au.
With rising Shark Blayke Brailey the club's starting hooker, McInnes could be shifted to the lock position.
Morris was encouraged by McInnes' flexibility, believing he could play both lock and dummy half.
“He can play lock equally as well as he can play dummy half and that versatility, especially in the modern game, is very attractive to our club," he said.
"Cameron has been brought mainly to play lock and will complement Blayke Brailey at hooker in a potent 9 and 13 combination that should have all Sharks fans very excited.
“He’s a winner and we are very pleased he has agreed to join us in 2022.”
McInnes has played 130 NRL games since making his first-grade debut in 2014, originally crossing from South Sydney at the end of 2016.
He will inform his teammates this morning of his intention to sign with the arch rivals.