Bulldogs sign Kimmorley for two years

Bulldogs boss Todd Greenberg is hoping the signature of Cronulla star Brett Kimmorley will help the cashed-up NRL club secure Brisbane's Michael Ennis and Ben Hannant.

The Bulldogs confirmed the signing of halfback Kimmorley to a two-year deal from 2009.

In one of the NRL's worst kept secrets, the former Test No.7 will be cut loose by the Sharks for the final two years of his current deal.

The move is expected to open the way for Wigan star Trent Barrett to link with Cronulla once his request for a release from the English Super League club is finalised.

"We're still in the game, this is a nice little piece of the puzzle that will help us get players further down the track," Greenberg said.

The Bulldogs will hope Kimmorley can fill a void left by the departure of Brent Sherwin in the off-season.

"We've lacked an experienced halfback for a couple of years now and Brett provides the answer," Greenberg said.

Barrett's manager Wayne Beavis said he'd made no progress on the former Test five-eighth's release after meeting Wigan boss Ian Lenagan on Monday.

But another of Beavis's clients, Wests Tigers forward Chris Heighington, is now in the sights of Wayne Bennett for his 2009 St George Illawarra side.

Beavis met with Dragons officials this week but is yet to receive a formal offer for the Country forward.

"We had a meeting with them but we haven't had anything formal off them yet," Beavis said.

Heighington has already rejected two offers from the English Super League.

Dragons half Jamie Soward re-signed for a further two years, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2010 season.

The 23-year-old joined the Dragons midway through 2007 from the Sydney Roosters.

"It's great to have my future resolved and to know that I will be staying with the Dragons," said Soward.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity the Dragons gave me mid-last year and I have really enjoyed my time here right from day one.

"I believe that I am continually learning and improving here and will be aiming to cement a place in the halves not only for the rest of this season but for at least the next two years as well."