Rugby league is a ruthless sport on and off the field – but Emre Guler's move from the Raiders to the Dragons showed that the game still has a heart.
Canberra wanted to keep Guler – a tough forward who did a good job holding up the middle and was under contract for the coming season.
But Wide World of Sports has learned that Guler was faced with a delicate family situation and wanted to move to a Sydney club on compassionate grounds.
Emre Guler. Getty
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart and chief executive Don Furner weighed up the situation – and decided to allow Guler to walk.
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The 27-year-old, who represented the Prime Minister's XIII in 2023, had been in secret negotiations with several Sydney clubs before finally coming to terms with the Red V.
Guler has joined the club effective immediately, ending a seven-year career as a Raider.
His signing is a massive boost after the club battled to hold onto former State of Origin enforcer Francis Molo, who is seeking a release from the joint venture.
The big forward will be a handy gain for the Dragons alongside fellow signings Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook, Valentine Holmes and Lachlan Ilias.
