LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced the return of prop forward Josh Kerr.
Kerr began his career with the Dragons, participating in 68 games from 2019 to 2023, primarily serving as a bench player and remaining on the outskirts of the first-grade roster.
He left the joint-venture mid-2023 to join the NRL's newest team and has since experienced a continuous upward trajectory in his performance.
This season, in what has been described as his best form, he earned a spot in the extended Queensland State of Origin squad for Game 3. He has also been influential off the bench for the Dolphins, contributing to pivotal game changes and accumulating 43 appearances with them, which brings his overall career total to 111 games.
However, the Dolphins lacked the salary cap flexibility to retain him. Although Kerr was reportedly offered to Brisbane at one stage, he has ultimately chosen to re-sign with the Dragons on a two-year deal, confirming his return to Wollongong for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
"With a strong crop of emerging forwards at the club, Josh is at the right stage of his career to help add some experience and size to the pack," said Daniel Anderson, the Dragons' new head of recruitment and pathways.