St George Illawarra have copped a major blow with skipper Cameron McInnes set to leave the club at the end of the season to join NRL rivals Cronulla on a four-year deal.
The 27-year-old has been the best player at the Dragons for the past two seasons but has not been offered a contract by the club beyond the end of 2021.
It's a move that is sure to anger fans given McInnes has been the most consistent player for the side in recent years and was only last year handed the captaincy.
McInnes' leadership was thought to be crucial for the Dragons to rediscover success under new coach Anthony Griffin.
However, it's understood McInnes signed the deal with the Sharks on Tuesday morning, with the announcement to be confirmed by both clubs later in the day.
The Dragons have been linked for some time with a swoop for Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough, who has worked with Griffin in the past.
While the Sharks already have Blayke Brailey at hooker, McInnes is expected to file the role of lock, where he has played intermittently for the Dragons in 2020.
The loss of McInnes for next season is set to clear the path for McCullough to join the Dragons.
The Sharks will be the third club for NSW Origin hopeful McInnes, after starting his career with South Sydney in 2014 before moving to the Dragons in 2017.