Current Bulldogs hooker Corey Hughes has agreed to terms on a one-year deal which will see him join the Sharks for the 2009 season.
Hughes, who celebrated his 250th grade game for the Bulldogs against the Sharks at ANZ Stadium two weeks ago, has also played 202 NRL games in a 10-year career at the Bulldogs club.
From St Christophers in the Canterbury junior league, Hughes made his NRL debut in round 9 of the 1998 season. He has played all 11 NRL games for the Bulldogs so far this year and was rewarded for his good form with selection in the City Origin team in 2008.
Despite approaching was could be referred to as veteran status, Sharks CEO Tony Zappia was convinced Hughes would be an asset to the Sharks next season.
"Corey brings a competitive edge as well as a wealth of experience to the club and despite being 30-years of age is in the best form of his career," Zappia said.
The announcement that Hughes will join the Sharks next season compliments the earlier signings of Trent Barrett and NSW State of Origin and Kangaroos back rower Anthony Tupou.