Cronulla have bolstered their halfback depth by signing former Canterbury and St George Illawarra playmaker Daniel Holdsworth from Super League side Hull FC.

The 29-year-old has signed a one-year deal after being granted a release from his contract with Hull, having spent just one season at the KC Stadium.

Holdsworth left the Bulldogs in 2009 to sign with Salford City Reds, but he struggled with injury and form last year in a season that culminated in the club being beaten 16-0 in the Challenge Cup final and coach Peter Gentle shown the door.

He has been signed on a one-year deal by Sharks coach Shane Flanagan as back-up to first-choice pairing Jeff Robson and Todd Carney after Chad Townsend left to join the Warriors.

“It was a tough decision to leave as I’ve been in England for four years, have got a wife now and gone are the days when you just think about yourself so we made the decision to come home,” Holdsworth said.

“I watched most NRL games over there last year, the Sharks were unlucky in the finals after finishing fifth and I am just happy to be back.

“I am really excited Flanno has given me a chance and I just want to rip in and do my best.”

Holdsworth started his NRL career at the Dragons in 2004, before a switch to the Bulldogs saw him play four seasons and 66 NRL games.