Cronulla will unveil the signing of Test back-rower Luke Lewis to a four-year deal with the NRL club on Friday afternoon.

Lewis turned down offers from Newcastle, Wests Tigers and Parramatta to join the Sharks – where he will form one of the game’s best forward rotations alongside NSW Origin skipper Paul Gallen, Jayson Bukuya and Wade Graham.

The Sharks have called a press conference for 2:45pm AEST to announce the signing.

Lewis was granted a release from the final two years of his contract with Penrith earlier this month after saying he needed a fresh start.

He was stripped of the club captaincy by new Panthers coach Ivan Cleary during the State of Origin period.

There is speculation the Sharks could release Jeremy Smith to link up with the Knights to accommodate Lewis’ signature.