Warrington Wolves have announced that Greg Inglis has been released from his playing contract with immediate effect, although he will take up a mentoring role until the end of the season.
The hamstring injury sustained in the home defeat to Huddersfield Giants on May 17 has proven worse than initially thought and has subsequently ruled him out for a prolonged period.
Inglis’ release from his playing deal could open the door for Warrington to free up the salary cap space to enable them to sign George Williams immediately.
Williams recently left Canberra Raiders due to homesickness and was spotted sat with Wire chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick at last week’s England game.
The Wolves said in a statement: “Following amicable discussions all parties have therefore come to the mutual agreement to terminate Greg’s playing contract.
“The Australian remains fully committed to staying with the club in a voluntary mentoring role for the remainder of the campaign – assisting with the club’s performance and Academy set ups in helping our young and exciting talent to emerge.
“Greg’s influence on the playing group and staff has been outstanding since moving to the UK in January and he has everyone at the club’s full support in the next phase of his career.”
Inglis said: “It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this but the injury is worse than we originally thought.
“Not too many people get the opportunity and the experience to come over here to the UK and play in Super League, especially at my age, and I want to thank Warrington for the opportunity.
“I’ve got nothing but high praise for the club. They’ve been nothing but good to me and my partner and made us feel welcome from minute one. It’s not just the team it’s the organisation as well that’s done a lot for us.
“I’ll remain here at Warrington as a volunteer in a mentor role helping the young lads coming through as well as being around the club itself and the team to assist in any way I can.
“I said from the start that I wanted to add value to this club and that’s what I’m still firmly focused on now.”
Fitzpatrick added: “Although we would have liked to have seen Greg in action more, he has brought tremendous value to our organisation with his leadership qualities and in driving club standards.
“It’s testament to his character that he wishes to remain in Warrington until the end of the season to continue to support the playing group and to mentor a number of our young players.”
