St George Illawarra have signed Penrith back-rower Billy Burns as part of a player swap which sees prop Eddie Blacker heading to the Panthers.
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Burns has played 12 NRL games, including 10 off the bench during the Panthers campaign last year which took them all the way to the grand final.
As Blacker leaves, Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran said they remain in the hunt for another forward.
Read more: Dragons aiming high despite naysayers: Bird
"Billy has cut his teeth in the NRL at Penrith and his signing will allow for greater balance with regards to our squad depth," Haran said.
"Eddie's release will provide him with a great opportunity to press his claims in the Panthers' system.
"It's also important to note that we remain active in the player market for an experienced middle."
Blacker made his one and only NRL appearance for the Dragons against Melbourne last season.
The Dragons are 3-1 this season under new coach Anthony Griffin and face a big test of their finals credentials against Parramatta on Sunday.
