Warrington Wolves-linked forward Josh Kerr has secured his future in the NRL. The Dolphins prop was a target for Sam Burgess’ Wolves, but according to reports Down Under he has now agreed a deal with St George Illawarra Dragons.
Kerr will spend the rest of the season with the Dolphins before taking up a two-year deal with the Dragons, where he started his career in the NRL.
The 29-year-old left the Dragons in 2023 to join the Dolphins, but he will return to the club next season in a move that brings an end to any suggestion that he could be making the move to the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Kerr was always an ambitious target for the Wolves given he was named in Billy Slater’s extended Queensland squad for the final game of this year’s State of Origin, but they now know he will be staying in Australia.
Sam Burgess confirmed as much, as reported by Warrington Guardian, when speaking at his weekly press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
“We couldn’t land Josh – he’s staying over there,” the head coach said. “He’s a great player and obviously a big guy, but we’re happy with what we’ve recruited.”
The news of Kerr making the move to St George Illawarra comes just days after Warrington announced the signing of Toafofoa Sipley from Manly Sea Eagles. Warrington Wolves have also secured the services of Tevita Pangai Jr from Catalans Dragons for next season, while Liam Byrne is reportedly on his way, too.
The signings come as Warrington prepare to part ways with Paul Vaughan, who will be leaving the club to join York Knights at the end of the current campaign.
Vaughan is one of eight players approaching the end of their contracts at Warrington, with Sam Powell, Toby King, Rodrick Tai, Connor Wrench, Stefan Ratchford, Jordy Crowther and Jake Thewlis yet to have contracts signed.
