Australian forward Ryan King has been released from his contract with Halifax Panthers by mutual agreement.
An Italian international, King only joined the Panthers from Championship side Whitehaven ahead of the current season.
He will leave The Shay with immediate effect after making just two appearances for Halifax during his short time in West Yorkshire.
The 25-year-old approached the club for a release last week and was eventually granted his request.
King said: “Although I have learned a lot during my short time here, I have found my time at Halifax difficult, primarily off the field.
“I feel this has affected my wellbeing and performance so subsequently, I have asked for a release.
“Halifax display high quality players, coaching and facilities, as well as committed fans. I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to work in a professional friendly environment and wish them all the best in the future.”
Panthers head coach Simon Grix said: ”Unfortunately, Ryan has requested a release and leaves immediately. It’s not ideal for any of us but ultimately, when a player asks to leave there isn’t much else to do.
“We have put a lot in to making Ryan as comfortable as possible with us but for one reason or another, Ryan just hasn’t settled. He’s a talented player, hopefully he can get on track wherever he ends up now and play to his potential.”
Director of Rugby Richard Durgan continued: “It’s a shame it hasn’t worked out for both parties. Ryan has not really settled for us and things haven’t gone particularly well on a personal level.
“But also, from our point of view, if we’ve got players that don’t want to be here or play for us then there’s no benefit to keeping them here against their wishes. So it was mutually beneficial for both sides for him to leave. We wish him the best of luck for the future.”
News of King’s release will fuel speculation that he is on his way back to re-join Whitehaven, especially as he attended a recent game at the LEL Arena and his girlfriend is from the town.
But before he joined Halifax there was interest from Paul Crarey at Barrow so with the Raiders making a slow start to their Championship campaign, like Whitehaven, there could be interest from south Cumbria.
