The Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs have granted Brent Sherwin a release from the final year of his contract to allow him to take up a lucrative multiyear deal with English club Castleford.
Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad commented, “Brent has given the Bulldogs great service over many years and earned the right to request a release from the Club to help secure his long-term playing future.
“His leaving begins a new chapter for the Bulldogs as we establish a new half-back and a new chapter for Brent as heads to Castleford to help them after their promotion into the English Super League.”
Brent Sherwin said, “This was a big decision for me to make as the Bulldogs have been my life. But I have to look to the future and the offer from Castleford allows me to continue playing football for three more years.
“I appreciate the understanding that the Club and Steve Folkes have shown in allowing me to go to Castleford for 2008.”
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes commented, “Shifty came to us last week with details of the overture from Castleford. Although it’s not standard practice for us to release players early from their contracts, this opportunity was in his best interests and we would not want to stand in his way.
“He goes to the UK with the Club’s best wishes and with great thanks for his contribution to the Bulldogs for over a decade.”
Brent Sherwin is a product of the Bulldogs junior system having played in the local area at the St Christopher’s club. He was graded by the Bulldogs in 1997 and two years later became the 632nd player to represent the Club at first grade level.
In 260 games with the Bulldogs, 191 in first grade, Brent has won a Premier League Premiership (1998) and an NRL Premiership (2004).
Brent was a City Origin representative in 2002, 2003 and 2005.
Noad added, “I would like to add that this announcement comes at a time where there is great speculation about player movements surrounding various clubs. One of the rumours doing the rounds is that Brett Kimmorley will be coming to the Bulldogs. I can say, categorically, that despite Brett’s experience he is not being courted by the Bulldogs.”
Source: NRL.com
