Canterbury have poached Test back-rower Tony Williams from NRL premiers Manly on a four-year deal starting from the 2013 NRL season.
The 23-year-old NSW State of Origin powerhouse reunites with coach Des Hasler, the first of Hasler’s 2011 premiership-winning squad to leave Brookvale to join him at Belmore.
Williams joined Manly three years ago from Parramatta and knocked back offers from the Eels to return there.
His signing comes after Canterbury failed in an attempt to lure star Manly five eighth Kieran Foran, who re-committed to the Sea Eagles.
The departure of Williams could help Manly keep hooker Matt Ballin, who is wanted by Canberra, and NSW fullback Brett Stewart.
Both players are coming off contract at the end of the year.