The Warriors centre Dane Nielsen has been released a year early from his contract with the National Rugby League club, to join the St George Illawarra on a two-year deal.
Dane Nielsen Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 29-year-old Nielsen has already returned to Australia, his departure coming after the club also released back rowers Feleti Mateo and Jayson Bukuya.
Neilsen had been brought to the club under previous coach Matt Elliott to boost the backline's defensive capabilities.
He came close to signing with English club Hull earlier this year but the deal fell through at the last minute.
A Queensland State of Origin player in 2011 and 2012, Nielsen made 30 NRL appearances for the Warriors and has played a total of 110 NRL games for Cronulla, Melbourne and the Warriors.
His departure continues coach Andrew McFadden's reshaping of his squad for 2015.
McFadden says further signings for 2015 remain a possibility.
While the trio have gone, Kangaroos back rower Ryan Hoffman from the Melbourne Storm and the Kiwis second rower Bodene Thompson, who's been with Wests Tigers, have both been signed on three-year contracts as has former Canberra centre Matt Allwood.
Allwood joined the Warriors for the start of off-season training two weeks ago.
Also upgraded to full NRL contracts are this year's under-20 Premiership-winning Junior Warriors Sam Lisone, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo and Brad Abbey.
