The St George Illawarra Dragons confirmed on Wednesday forward Emre Guler will immediately be released from the remainder of his contract to pursue a long-term opportunity with Wakefield Trinity in the Super League.
Guler let the Dragons playing group know of his departure on Wednesday morning when he arrived out of training kit, catching many of his Red V teammates by surprise.
Wakefield confirmed on their social media Guler swiftly jumped on a long-haul flight on the same day as his Dragons exit to greet his new teammates in England.
The former Raiders prop was due to head to the Northern Hemisphere following the end of the Dragons' 2026 campaign, but after Guler approached the club for an early exit, they granted him his wishes.
Dragons' rising star Dylan Egan admitted he was caught surprised by the news when Guler informed the playing group.
"That was probably a bit of a shock for us today," Egan admitted.
"Obviously, he came in ‘mufti' gear and told us that he was going over there and finishing off the year with (Wakefield).
"But Emre's been real good for us. He started off the year and then had a couple games in cup, and then as soon as he's come back in the team, he's definitely lifted the standard.
"I know us young boys love playing with a more experienced middle like that, he's been real good for us, I wish him all the best."
Dragons utility Daniel Atkinson conceded there were "mixed feelings" in Guler's rapid exit from Wollongong, following a tough year on the field.
"We've gone through a lot this year, and he's gone through it with us, Atkinson said on Wednesday following Guler's exit.
"To see the opportunity him and his family could get moving overseas, it's a huge move.
"I'm just happy for him and his family. New beginning, new start, he deserves it."
Guler has played 33 games for the Dragons since his arrival in 2025, with this week marking the end of his stint at the joint venture.
"It kind of happened pretty fast, he said so himself too, he only got a phone call yesterday," Dragons winger Mathew Feagai said.
Wakefield sit in fourth position on the Super League ladder as Guler's immediate transfer will see him come into a finals-like intensity ahead of the English play-offs in four weeks' time.
They have had an impressive 2026 campaign, recording 16 wins and seven losses so far as they hunt for their first ever Super League title.
