Manly Sea Eagles' Test second-rower Glenn Stewart has signed a two-year deal with rivals South Sydney, the Rabbitohs announced Tuesday.
The move ends months of speculation over whether Manly would be able to offer the 30-year-old a new contract under salary-cap pressure, while Souths have room for manoeuvre with the departure of Englishman Sam Burgess to rugby union.
Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire praised Stewart's all-round qualities.
"He's a tough player in attack and defence that can ball-play as well, and we're looking forward to adding him to our squad during the next pre-season," he said.
"Glenn is one of the linchpins to the extended success the Sea Eagles have had over the past decade and he will bring a lot to our club."
Stewart, who spent 12 seasons at Manly, said "circumstances at the club have led to me moving on at the end of this year".
"I'm really excited about moving onto that next chapter of my career next year and I'm looking forward to the change, and the challenges."
Stewart has played 184 NRL matches since making his debut for Manly in 2003.
He has played in four NRL grand finals with the Sea Eagles in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2013, claiming premierships in the 2008 and 2011 seasons.
Stewart has also represented Australia in five Tests and New South Wales in five State of Origin clashes.
Source: AFP
