The first mid-season move has been confirmed with Aaron Woods joining the Cronulla Sharks from the Canterbury Bulldogs.
With the need to move players on to free up cap space, the Bulldogs made a decision to release Woods.
It was an easy decision for them, allowing the club to enjoy more flexibility.
“The Bulldogs and Aaron have decided that now is the right time for this move to happen,” Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill said.
“It is a difficult decision for both parties, however, both Aaron and the club believe it is in their best interests for this to happen now.
What it does allow is for Aaron to join his new club before the upcoming deadline and for the Bulldogs to be able to start to plan for the future with additional cap space.”
With little option but to make this move, the Bulldogs hope it will give them the funds to make some moves in off-season.
It has been well documented that we have had very little flexibility with our cap going forward and this will now allow us to look to the future with increased flexibility around our options,” continued Hill.
The deal for Woods at the Sharks will see him join immediately and for a further three seasons.
The NSW and Australian representative has so far played in 160 NRL games.
A much maligned prop depending on who you talk to, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is pleased to have signed Woods.
“Aaron is a quality player and I am confident he can add something to our team this year and into the future,” Flanagan said.
“I also believe our club can help Aaron get back to the previous form which had him playing for NSW and Australia.
“We’re pleased to have him on board and look forward to what he can bring to our team.”