Trent Barrett will return from English Super League club Wigan to play for Cronulla in the NRL.

The Sharks confirmed on Thursday afternoon they had secured the services of the five-eighth in a two-year deal starting next year.

"I'm extremely excited about having Trent join the club," Sharks coach Ricky Stuart said.

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

After 11 seasons and 186 NRL games at St George Illawarra, Barrett was granted a release by the Dragons to join Wigan in 2007, where he has since played more than 50 games for the Warriors over the last two seasons.

His strong debut season in England saw him awarded the Rugby League Writers Association Player of the Year award in 2007.

But with his wife expecting a baby and feeling homesick, Barrett has been granted an early release from his three-year contract with Wigan to return to the NRL.

Barrett has played 11 Test matches for Australia and seven times for NSW in State of Origin.

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