Wigan’s Australian five-eighth Blake Green is to leave the club at the end of the season, the Super League champions have announced.
Green, 27, who was man of the match in the Warriors’ Grand-Final win against Warrington in October, is out of contract this year and has decided to return to Australia for family reasons, having secured a move to an unnamed NRL club.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane said: “Blake has been outstanding for us and a pleasure to coach over the past 18 months.
“I would have loved to have kept him but, following discussions, it was clear that he wants to return home to Australia with his young family and has the opportunity to join a top club over there.
Green, who joined Wigan from Hull KR in 2013 having previously played in the NRL for Canterbury, Parramatta and Cronulla, had been on the wanted list of Salford.
He is currently sidelined with a ruptured bicep, but said his time at the club has been a positive experience.
“I would like to thank Shaun Wane and (football manager) Kris Radlinski for giving me the opportunity to play at this historic club.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and made some wonderful friends and created memories that will stay with me forever.
“I would also like to give special thanks to Shaun and his coaching staff for improving my game and giving me the tools that I will need to be a success in the NRL.
“It was always my ambition to establish myself as a number six in first grade and being part of Wigan has built my profile that will stand me in good stead in the future.
“The Wigan club and the fans will remain part of me forever. I leave with a heavy heart but it is the right time for my career and for my family to return to home to Australia.”