Jeremy Smith released by Cronulla Sharks for personal reasons, joins Newcastle Knights

DUAL NRL grand final winner and New Zealand international Jeremy Smith has signed a three-year deal with the Newcastle Knights.

DUAL NRL grand final winner and New Zealand international Jeremy Smith has signed a three-year deal with the Newcastle Knights.

Smith, who has played 24 Tests for the Kiwis, was released from the final year of a three-year contract at the Sharks for personal reasons.

The release of Smith, which had been expected for some months, frees up cash for star Cronulla signings Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon, Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington.

It is understood a move to Newcastle will allow Smith to be closer to family, while he will also link with former mentor Wayne Bennett, who coached the Dragons to the NRL title in 2010, with Smith a key member of the side.

The tough back rower also won a premiership with the Storm, but the title was later revoked due to salary cap rorts.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Newcastle Knights and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of the club’s members and supporters,” Smith said.

“It will be great to reunite with Wayne; I’ve played under him before and I know what he brings to the table. He’s a great coach with plenty of experience and his record speaks for itself.

“I can’t wait to join the rest of the team and get stuck into training.”

Bennett believes bringing Smith to Newcastle was a major coup for the Knights.

“We are very fortunate to have Jeremy coming to the club, I just didn’t think a quality player would be available,” Bennett said.

“He got an opportunity to leave Cronulla and we got an opportunity to take him; I couldn’t believe our luck.

“It is certainly one I didn’t think would happen until next year but we grabbed it as quick as we could.