Brett, who has played 169 games in the Red V, had a year to run on his contract with the Dragons, but speculations had been rife for months that the NSW and Australian winger was keen to join his brother at Belmore.

Despite the fact they were keen to keep the prolific try scorer under contract, St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust said the club had agreed to release the 28 year-old following his service to the club.

“It is with great disappointment that we announce that the Dragons Board & Football Management have agreed to grant the early release personally requested by Brett,” Doust said.

“It is something that we have been discussing for some time as we wanted to upgrade and extend Brett to see him play his entire career at the Dragons, however, for a player like Brett, who has given so much to the Dragons, both Football Management and the Board did not think it ‘right’ to deny his request.”

Doust said the Dragons, who many believe are facing salary cap pressure, could not match the money on offer from the Bulldogs.

Dragons’ coach Paul McGregor said it was a disappointing day for the club, but he understood Morris’ motivations for asking for a release.

“Brett has been an important part of our team for many years so it is less than desirable to ever hear a player of his calibre make this type of decision,” McGregor said.

“However, while I am disappointed, I do respect his decision and making him stay, at least until the end of next season when he wanted to be somewhere else, was not the right outcome for anyone.”