Talented outside back Edrick Lee has joined the Sharks effective immediately after being released from his current contract by the Canberra Raiders.
Originally from Mount Gravatt in Queenslander, Lee will begin training with the Sharks as early as tomorrow after signing a two-year deal with the club.
Lee, who debuted in the NRL as a teenager back in 2012, was a member of the Raiders team for all three of the teams’ finals matches in 2016 and has played a total of 67 games in the NRL, scoring 33 tries.
With the start of the NRL season now just a week away, Lee was excited about the new opportunity he has been offered at the Sharks.
“I’m really excited to be joining the club, I can’t wait for this year and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Lee said. “I’m looking forward to meeting all the players and staff (but) I know there’s a lot of hard work that has to be done between now and round one.”
A Junior Kangaroo in 2012, an Indigenous All Star in 2016 and a part of the emerging Maroons squad alongside current Sharks Jayson Bukuya and Valentine Holmes over the past two seasons, the 24-year-old Lee arrives in the Shire with an impressive rugby league resume.
At 196cm and 101kgs, Lee will present as an imposing presence out on the wing, with Coach Shane Flanagan excited to be bolstering his depth in the backs with such an experienced campaigner.
The addition of Lee comes at an opportune time, with the departure of Ben Barba and the imminent shift from wing to fullback of Holmes, leaving places in the Sharks outside backs up for grabs.
“He’s a proven finisher who gives us height and a kick target and a point of difference out on the wing,” Flanagan began. “With the loss of Benny and with some potential changes in position for Val and others he has a great opportunity to be a part of our NRL side this season.”
While Sosaia Feki when fit seems assured of one wing place, the likes of Gerard Beale, youngster Jesse Ramien and utility Kurt Capewell look likely to battle with the incoming Lee for the other wing berth.
