The 27-year-old utility forward made the announcement on Monday afternoon as final preparations are made for next weekend’s nuptials to fiancé Kate Henry. 

“Everything is falling into place,” Edwards said. 

“It’s an exciting new chapter in my life.’

It means Edwards will be home in the Hunter Valley before the newly married couple head overseas for their honeymoon, followed by the change up from Canberra to Sydney. 

“I might have to throw away a few jumpers now,” he said. “It might be a bit warmer up there.”

The Maitland district schoolboys representative and Cessnock junior has spent the last three seasons in the nation’s capital with the Raiders.

He was initially stitched up with the Green Machine until the end of 2017 but a “difficult” year with injury saw Edwards forced to look ­elsewhere.

Edwards underwent reconstructive surgery on his big toe following the pre-season Auckland Nines, but only returned to the field in the past month with reserve grade side Mounties, who were beaten one short of the NSW Cup grand final by former club and eventual premiers the Newcastle Knights.

He said it was a disappointing way to finish his time at Canberra but he looked forward to the challenge ahead at the Wests Tigers. 

“It’s a fresh start,” Edwards said.

“They have an exciting young side and I want to be part of that and work with Jason Taylor.”

Tigers head coach Taylor said Edwards would be a welcome addition to the club.

“Joel is a great acquisition for us and I’m ­confident that he will complement our current squad well,” Taylor said. 

“He has played close to 100 first grade games, so he brings a good level of experience into our team.

“I’m looking forward to working with Joel once pre-season training commences in November.”

Edwards made his NRL debut for the Knights at Hunter Stadium in 2010.

He remained with in Newcastle until 2012 and signed with Canberra the following year.

After 23 first grade appearances with the Raiders in 2013 he received the coaches’ award at the Meninga Medal.