ORANGE’S Garret Crossman will make a return to the NRL next season after signing a two-year deal with South Sydney.

Crossman played in the English Super League this year with Hull KR but has been released from the final year of his contract to return to Australia.

The prop will join the Bunnies at pre-season training in November with South Sydney his third NRL club after debuting with Penrith in 2004, before linking with Melbourne in 2006 for two seasons.

The 25-year-old missed out on playing in the Storm’s 2006 and winning 2007 grand finals after dropping off an extended bench on both occasions, although coach Craig Bellamy gave his 2007 premiership ring to Crossman.

He has played 59 NRL games and South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson believes Crossman will strengthen the Rabbitohs’ forward pack as they attempt to get back into the finals in 2009.

“Crossman is a hard-working, tough front-rower who will complement our forward pack,” Richardson said.

“Garret knows what it takes to win in the NRL having played with the premiership-winning Melbourne Storm team, and he has played strongly in the Super League this season for Hull KR.

“He’s keen to come home and perform for the Rabbitohs in the NRL and we’re looking forward to having him join the squad.”