Dragons
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Veteran hooker Heath L’Estrange has been added to the Dragons Auckland Nines squad after the club granted utility Adam Quinlan an immediate release to join Parramatta on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old Culburra product - who debuted for the club in 2013 - played 15 NRL games last year first as a fill-in for Josh Dugan who suffered a knee injury in the preseason Charity Shield.
Dugan’s switch to the centres - in part to play the same role for NSW in their Origin series victory - gave Quinlan further opportunity to cement a spot at fullback though his form waned over the latter half of the season where he eventually lost his spot to Gerard Beale who has also left the club prior to the 2015 season.
With Dugan returning to fullback this season and Peter Mata’utia now seen as his chief understudy Quinlan’s opportunities in the top grade would have been limited.
The release of Quinlan - who signed a two-year contract extension with the club last year - will also help alleviate some of the club’s high profile salary cap pressure ahead of next season.
“Adam has received in principle an opportunity to join the Parramatta Eels for at least the remainder of the season,” coach Paul McGregor said.
‘‘We wish him the very best for his future and thank him for all his contributions to our club."
The move to Parramatta on a one-year deal does not promise an easy path to NRL berth for Quinlan with Will Hopoate widely tipped to replace Jarryd Hayne in the Eels No 1 jersey.
The Eels have also signed former Raiders flyer Reece Robinson for 2015.
Eels coach Brad Arthur said Quinlan will add depth and variety to his youthful squad.
"Adam is a talented and versatile player who will be a great addition to our side this year,” Arthur said.
“He can add some quality depth to our back line and be one of many young players challenging for a spot in our starting side.”