LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Queensland State of Origin squad member Josh Kerr is poised to rejoin the Dragons, where his professional journey began, having reportedly agreed to a two-year contract starting next season. This news coincides with the announcement that former Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has secured a new position coaching Sydney club rugby.
With his current contract set to expire at the end of this season and no agreements in place beyond 2025, Kerr becomes a target for Dragons coach Shane Flanagan. Although formal arrangements between St George Illawarra and Kerr are yet to be finalized, a handshake agreement is already in place, marking his return to the Red V jersey after he declined offers to play in the English Super League.
Kerr, who was part of the Dolphins, aimed to stay in Queensland; however, financial constraints at the club led to his departure, paving the way for his return to the Dragons. He previously spent four seasons there, participating in 68 games since his NRL debut in 2019.
Though he was selected for Billy Slater's Queensland Maroons squad this year, Kerr did not play in any of the games as the Maroons clinched a 2-1 series victory. He faced a $10,000 fine for comments regarding referee Ashley Klein's performance during the Game 3 decider, which questioned the official's integrity.
Despite the Dolphins' injury woes, Kerr emerged as a reliable contributor in their forward pack, which contributed to his selection in the Maroons squad. However, the Dolphins recently renewed the contract of injured star Herbie Farnworth, coupled with significant contracts for Origin standout Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and promising playmaker Isaiyah Katoa, which makes retaining Kerr financially unfeasible.
Other veteran Dolphins players, including Mark Nicholls, Felise Kaufusi, and Kenny Bromwich, also face uncertain futures beyond this season. Kerr's potential signing reflects Flanagan's ongoing restructuring of the Dragons, with former Origin star Jack de Belin set to join the Eels next season, alongside other players like David Klemmer, Michael Molo, and Raymond Faitala-Mariner who are out of contract by the end of 2025.
In related news, former Dragons coach Griffin has been appointed head coach of Eastwood, a rugby club in Sydney. Griffin had a tenure of nearly three seasons with the Dragons before being dismissed midway through the 2023 season, having prior coaching experience with the Broncos and Panthers.