The RFL

engage Super League new boys Castleford Tigers have agreed a three-year deal with Australia scrum-half Brent Sherwin.

The 29-year-old, who will be the Tigers’ replacement for Danny Brough, accepted their offer after Canterbury Bulldogs agreed to release him from the 12 months left on his contract.

Canterbury chief executive Malcolm Noad said Sherwin’s contribution to the club over nine years and 191 games had been taken into account when agreeing to free him.

Sherwin, a member of the Bulldogs’ championship-winning team in 2004, claimed the chance to secure his long-term future had convinced him to leave the NRL.

“This was a big decision for me to make as the Bulldogs have been my life,” he said.

“But I have to look to the future and the offer from Castleford allows me to continue playing football for three more years.

“I appreciate the understanding that the club and Steve Folkes have shown in allowing me to go to Castleford for 2008.”

Coach Folkes said: “Although it’s not standard practice for us to release players early from their contracts, this opportunity was in his best interests and we would not want to stand in his way.

“He goes to the UK with the club’s best wishes and with great thanks for his contribution to the Bulldogs for over a decade.”

Sherwin becomes the fifth recruit for Castleford, who have snapped up Luke Dorn, Michael Korkidas and Mark Edmondson from relegated Salford City Reds and have taken Scott Moore on a season-long loan from St Helens.

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