The Wests Tigers off season revolving door has let out fan favourite Jackson Hastings and opened wide for prop forward David Klemmer.
It is believed Hastings, pictured above, will head to Newcastle in a swap deal for Klemmer, who has signed a three-year deal with the Wests Tigers.
Klemmer will join the club immediately after being released from the final year of his contract at the Knights.
The club issued a separate media statement to announce it had released Hastings from the final year of his contract.
CEO Justin Pascoe says the club has identified a clear recruitment and retention plan, one that is being executed aggressively.
“As a club we are obviously not satisfied that we finished last in 2022 and tough decisions need to be made,” Pascoe said.
“Not everyone will be happy with some decisions we make, but we do not apologise for these decisions.
“Our members and fans need to understand that every decision that is made is in the best interests of this club and changing the fortunes on the field.
“On behalf of Wests Tigers, I would like to wish Jackson the very best with his future and thank him for his efforts over the past 12 months.”
Whatever some fans think, Klemmer will bring some much needed grunt in the middle third of the field.
But he will also bring another element lacking at Wests Tigers: experience, because he has played 194 NRL games across 10 seasons with both Canterbury Bulldogs and Newcastle Knights.
The 28-year-old has also played 19 Tests for Australia and 14 Origin games for NSW.
“I can’t wait to rip into pre-season training, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead for us,” Klemmer said.
“I know Tim (Sheens) well through our time together with the Kangaroos and there’s a lot to like about where the club is headed.
“In many ways it’s a new start for the club, and I’m delighted to be a part of it.
“I want to make a difference here and that includes helping some of the younger players who haven’t played a lot of first grade yet.”
