Joey Lussick will join the Parramatta Eels for the remainder of the 2023 season after being granted an early release from the English Super League.
The 27-year-old will return to his former club after two seasons with St Helens in the English Super League, signing with the Eels, effective immediately, until the end of 2025.
St Helens announced the star’s departure on Twitter on Sunday, just hours after the club’s loss to the Leigh Leopards in the semi-finals of the Challengers Cup.
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Saints coach Paul Wellen confirmed Lussick’s release during the post-game interview, saying: “We at St Helens are not in the business of allowing players to leave mid-contract, but when Joey’s situation became sensitive with him requesting his release and wanting to return home, we needed to handle it with care.”
The official statement from the club revealed Lussick would return to the NRL with an “undisclosed transfer fee” allowing the star to leave immediately.
“St Helens R.F.C can confirm that an agreement has been reached with an NRL club for an undisclosed transfer fee which will see Joey Lussick leave Saints immediately,” the statement said.
“The Saints have been working on a suitable replacement for Lussick to join the squad immediately, and details on this player will be confirmed in due course.
“The club thanks Joey for his efforts in the Red V, and we wish him well for the future.”
Lussick’s arrival comes due to the situation with injured Eels hooker Josh Hodgson, who suffered a season-ending neck injury during the club’s round 13 victory over the Cowboys.
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The former Eels No.9 is expected to medically retire by the end of 2023, with reports the star’s injury may require further surgery.
Speaking on Lussick’s arrival at the Eels, Parramatta’s General Manager Mark O’Neill said: “Joey will add quality and depth to our roster. He knows our systems and coaching style and will fit in right where he left off.”
While Lussick prepares to join the Eels at training this week, Saints coach Paul Wellen revealed Dragons utility Moses Mbye will fill the No.9 jersey – with the Dragons star granted an immediate release this week to join the English club.
Mbye told saintsrlfc.com he is “keen” to join the club, signing with the Saints until the end of 2025.
“I’m keen to come over and learn from the current squad and off Wello (Paul Wellen) and be part of a club with such a great culture,” he said.
“It’s a good opportunity to come over, add some healthy competition to what is already a really successful squad, and earn my spot.
“I know the expectations at St. Helens are high which is great because we’re expected to succeed because of how well the team has gone in the past and in recent years.
“It’s come from the hard work they have put in and I’m looking forward to being part of it.
“I can’t wait to get over there, meet the boys and the fans and get amongst it!”
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