The Newcastle Knights have released Jake Mamo, opening the way for English Super League centre Joe Wardle to join the NRL club.
Mamo will leave the Knights after playing 29 NRL games to join Huddersfield Giants, the Super League club for which Wardle made a name for himself in more than 140 appearances.
Mamo has signed a two-year deal with Huddersfield where he will play under former former Knights coach Rick Stone.
The 25-year-old Wardle has signed a three-year deal contract to renew ties with Knights' coach Nathan Brown.
"I coached Joe during my time in England and know he will be a great addition to our young squad," Brown said.
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"Joe comes with plenty of Super League experience and adds some real versatility to our squad.
"He is as comfortable in the second row as he is at centre."
Wardle had originally agreed to terms to join the Knights in 2018, but the release of 22-year-old Mamo has expedited the Englishman's move to the NRL.
"We identified him as a player we wanted at the club, so we are obviously pleased Joe joins us for next season," Brown said.
