PARRAMATTA has signed its second star forward in the space of three hours, with Dragons prop Justin Poore agreeing to a three-year deal yesterday. The in-demand Blues bookend is believed to have penned a $350,000-a-season contract, joining Roosters prop Shane Shackleton in blue and gold until the end of 2012.
Poore knocked back a rich offer to join Cronulla and had initially wanted to stay at St George Illawarra for lifestyle reasons. But the Dragons could also extend him a $275,000-a-year deal because of salary cap constraints.
The Shackleton deal was announced this morning. Eels coach Daniel Anderson said he was delighted to land the versatile second-rower.
"We're obviously very happy to have Shane on board for 2010 and beyond," Anderson said in a statement.
"He broke through for his first representative jumper this year and he'll certainly add some versatility and variety to our pack.
"What's more we feel we've got a quality person, not just a quality player."
The 26-year-old has played 53 games for the Roosters since making his first-grade debut against Brisbane in round 25, 2005.
Acting Eels chief executive Andrew Hill said the signing of Shackleton is a vote of confidence in the team and the club as well as the direction in which both are heading.
"We're looking forward to Shane strengthening our team on and off the paddock," Hill said.
"It's important for the club to be able to attract players of Shane's calibre. We also look forward to continuing negotiations with other players for season 2010."
