The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced the signing of halfback Ben Hunt, who will join the Club in 2018 on a five-year deal following today's completion of all official documentation.

The Australian Test representative, Hunt, 26, will join the Dragons from the Brisbane Broncos at the completion of the upcoming NRL season.

A former Dally M Under 20s Player of the Year, Hunt has played 166 NRL games to date since his 2009 debut.

St George Illawarra Dragons Director of Rugby League Pathways Ian Millward said Hunt's signature was crucial for the Red V moving forward.

"We were looking for a really competent, world-class halfback. It was about signing someone who has been a regular halfback and who has played at the highest level," Millward said.

"Ben's also a good family man and quite composed as a person. The Red V fans should be over the moon."

Millward said however the club's immediate focus remains on the upcoming 2017 season.

"Ben's made a massive commitment to the Dragons but he also has a season to go with the Broncos," Millward said.

"It's important he has a great season with the Broncos, and it's important we have a great season with the personnel we currently have."

Millward said the Club remained focused on player retention across the board - from junior representative teams to the NRL.

"We're still very active internally as well," Millward said.

"I don't want to speculate on specific names at present because we're in negotiations but we are progressing well."