Canterbury have announced the signing of NSW and Test winger Brett Morris from St George Illawarra on a four-year contract from the start of the 2015 NRL season.

The move will see the 28-year-old link up with twin brother Josh Morris after he was granted an early release from the final year of his contract with the joint-venture.

Morris made his NRL debut for the Dragons in 2006 and has gone on to play 169 matches, scoring 112 tries for the Red-V as well as making 10 appearances for NSW.

“It’s a significant signing for the club,” Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle said.

“To be able to get a player of Brett’s calibre and profile is exciting.

“We look forward to him joining the squad in preparation for the 2015 season.”

Coach Des Hasler said he was pleased to see Morris, who could play fullback for his side next year, join the club.

“Brett is an experienced player that has played at the highest level and we are keen to get him into our set-up and be part of our squad for next season and beyond,” Hasler said.

Dragons CEO Peter Doust said the club were desperate to keep Morris but felt it would be wrong to deny him the chance to play with his brother again.

“It is something that we have been discussing for some time as we wanted to upgrade and extend Brett to see him play his entire career at the Dragons,” Doust said.

“However, for a player like Brett, who has given so much to the Dragons, both football management and the board did not think it right to deny his request.”

Dragons coach Paul McGregor said he respected Morris’ decision and knew what a difficult decision it was for him to make.

“Brett has been an important part of our team for many years so it is less than desirable to ever hear a player of his calibre make this type of decision, said McGregor.

“However, while I am disappointed, I do respect his decision and making him stay, at least until the end of next season when he wanted to be somewhere else, was not the right outcome for anyone.”

Morris thanked the club for allowing him the opportunity to move on.

“I am grateful to the football management and the board for allowing me to take the opportunity to play alongside my twin brother Josh next year,” said Morris.

“It was not an easy decision and I would like to especially thank the Red-V Members and fans, my teammates and coaches for all of their support during my time at the club.”