Cronulla Sharks beat the competition to take Wigan skipper Barrett home

The former Australia stand-off has secured a release from the last 12 months of his three-year deal with the Warriors and will return home at the end of the season to link up with Australia coach Ricky Stuart at the Sharks.

His two-year contract is said to be worth around £290,000, which will mean a drop in salary.

Heading home: Wigan's Trent Barrett is heading back to Australia

Barrett, who is leading Wigan in the absence of the injured Sean O'Loughlin, is cutting short his stay in England because his pregnant wife is homesick.

Stuart said: "I'm extremely excited about having Trent join the club.

"I've got no doubt he will be very good for the Sharks both on and off the field."

After 11 seasons at St George Illawarra, Barrett was granted a release by the Dragons to join Wigan in 2007, where he was the leading tryscorer in his first year and has so far made 47 appearances.

Barrett has won 11 caps and made seven State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and was much sought after when it became clear he was set to return home.

Cronulla faced competition from at least four NRL rivals, including Barrett's old club St George.

Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia said: "I've got no doubt Trent can add a new attacking dimension to the team and he is a great addition to the club."

Wigan have confirmed they reached a settlement with Barrett to free him from the final year of his contract at the JJB Stadium.

Chairman Ian Lenagan said: "We wish him well for the future and know that he will continue to give his 100 per cent commitment to the Warriors for the rest of the season. The club, Trent and the Wigan fans will all want him to go out on a high."