Long-serving Eels captain Clint Gutherson has traded blue and gold for red and white after signing a three-year deal with the Dragons.
The 30-year-old was released by the Eels on Thursday and will join forces with Shane Flanagan at St George Illawarra in 2025.
Gutherson heads to the Red V after nine seasons at the Eels, a stint which included four State of Origin appearances, four finals campaigns and the 2022 grand final.
“However, this season has demonstrated the importance of building a culture based on clear standards and values.
“While the NRL Integrity Unit has completed its investigation and imposed a four-match suspension, the club views the combination of the failed drug test and subsequent lack of transparency as serious breaches of Josh’s contractual obligations and our club’s standards.
“Supporting our players remains a fundamental priority for our club, with comprehensive welfare programs that go well beyond just football.
“While we will always stand by our players through difficult times, we can only do this effectively when there is complete trust and transparency.
“We wish Josh and his family well for the future. Our welfare team remains available to Josh and his family during this transition.”
Star fullback Reece Walsh has signed a four-year contract extension with the Broncos until the end of the 2029 season.
At his best, the 22-year-old is one of the most exciting players in the NRL his re-signing is the first major contract development under new Brisbane coach Michael Maguire.
Walsh has already made 74 NRL appearances since making his debut for the Warriors in 2021, notching 34 tries and 57 try assists.
Despite a disrupted 2024 season in which he played just 14 NRL games, Walsh still managed 14 tries, 13 line breaks, 8 try assists and 62 tackle breaks in running for 154 metres per game.
New Zealand rugby union international Tyrone Thompson has switched codes to play alongside his twin brother Leo at the Knights next season.
Thompson, who played hooker for Chiefs in Super Rugby, represented the All Blacks and Māori All Blacks in 2022 but has been keen to follow Leo, the Kiwis prop, to the NRL.
The former New Zealand Schoolboys rugby union representative will join Newcastle’s top squad on an NRL development contract, having recently completed his commitments with Rugby New Zealand.
“Tyrone is a very gifted player, with a burning desire to follow in his brothers’ footsteps and play in NRL,” Knights head of recruitment Peter O’Sullivan said.
“He has proven to be a highly skilful and powerful player in Rugby, representing at international level for the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV, after being in elite junior pathway teams and programs for many years.
“I vividly remember watching the brothers play for Napier boys high, Leo was a centre and Tyrone an athletic forward, they were both elite players, who stood out.
“To be prepared to walk away from where he is comfortable in the All-Blacks system and have a crack at the NRL, shows his desire to follow Leo into the NRL and he can’t wait to begin that journey to becoming a Knight.”
Kangaroos star Ben Hunt has been granted an immediate release by St George Illawarra to sign with another NRL club for the 2025 season.
The Dragons captain and chief playmaker will depart the club immediately despite having one year remaining on his contract.
Hunt made a significant impact during his seven seasons with the Dragons, playing 147 games and serving as captain since 2021.
“This decision was not easy and was not taken lightly, but we need to do what is best for the club at this time,” said Dragons CEO Ryan Webb.
“After extensive discussions with Ben and his management, it became clear that this is the best path forward for both parties. It allows the club to openly explore the player market and focus on the future.
“Ben has been an important part of our club and we are grateful for his contributions. We wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter.”
In other off-season signings news:
The Knights have extended the contract of youngster Dylan Lucas until at least the end of 2027.
The Knights have also signed forward Brodie Jones to a one-year extension.
Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki has signed a one-year contract extension through to the end of 2026.
Storm captain Harry Grant has taken up his player option to stay in Melbourne until the end of the 2026 NRL season.
The Eels have announced that Fijian star Maika Sivo has been granted a release from his contract for the 2025 season to pursue opportunities that will allow him to further his career elsewhere.
Wests Tigers have announced contract extensions for Reuben Porter and Solomona Faataape.
The Sharks have signed Mawene Hiroti, Niwhai Puru, Billy Burns, Jayden Berrell and Chris Veaíla to one-year contract extensions through to the end of 2025.
Fijian international Marcelo Montoya will return to Belmore after signing a two-year deal with the Bulldogs.
Warriors team-mate Jazz Tevaga is set to bring plenty of experience and added toughness to the Manly pack after signing a one-year deal.
