Bremner was one of the league's premier outside backs coming into first grade with junior club Helensburgh, winning the 2015 premiership and the competition's top individual honour as a Tiger in 2018.

It was his last year in the Illawarra, having since turned out for Engadine. However, now a resident of Bulli with wife and Jillaroos great Sammy, he'll make a return as a Butcher.

"It's really handy for us," Thirroul coach Jarrod Costello said.

"He's a great player, an experienced player, he's a Paul McGregor Medalist. I had tried to get him to the club in 2020 but he had a bit of a knee issue and didn't play.

"We've lost a couple of our young outside backs this year to really good opportunities elsewhere. Jye Patterson's gone to Cronulla [Jersey] Flegg, Nelson Sharp's gone to Mounties, Josh Martin's got a professional contract in England and Scott Galeano's gone to Tweed in Q Cup.

"We need outside backs, so he was definitely on my list to have a chat with. To get a guy with his experience and ability, it's a really good fit for us."

Costello has kept the nucleus of a forward pack that will again include Josh Starling, Damian Sironen, Ryan Fletcher and Luke Dodge.

Read more: Helensburgh ready to roar in return to Illawarra top grade

The club's hopeful of retaining the services of former NSW Origin prop Tim Grant for a third season, while Leigh Higgins is also on the club's radar having last worn the blue and white in the 2020 Presidents Cup.

That campaign included Harry Leddy who is back for a second stint with the club in 2022 after spending last season with Mounties.

"Harry played with us in 2020 and was outstanding so we're happy to have him back," Costello said.

"We're obviously hoping Tim Grant goes again. We're still talking with him, he's enjoyed his time here. He's yet to commit to us yet but we're hopeful of getting him across the line.

"We've kept the nucleus of it, we've still got a few holes to plug but I'm confident we'll be strong and thereabouts again."

The league will feature seven teams for the first time since 2019, with Helensburgh returning to the top grade and Cronulla-Caringbah shifting south to the Illawarra for the first time.