Friday 19 December 2014 22:19, UK
Wigan have allowed Eddy Pettybourne to leave the club to return home to Australia halfway through a two-year contract.
The American international leaves one year into his deal having joined the Warriors at the start of 2014 from National Rugby League club Wests Tigers.
Pettybourne made 18 appearances for Wigan in his time at the DW Stadium and said: "I'll be forever grateful to the Warriors and the fans for their support over the last year. I have enjoyed my time here but sometimes things happen outside your control and this means I have to head back home."
Head coach Shaun Wane said: "I will always hold Eddy in high regard. Not only has he been a great asset to us on the field but a great bloke of it.
"He has fitted really well into the Wigan way and I personally am very sorry to see him leave but totally understand his reasons for doing so. We are a strong family orientated club and will support Eddy in the future. I wish him the best of luck."
Rugby general manager Kris Radlinski said: "Eddy is a good guy and very popular amongst the group. Things have happened pretty quickly, and escalated since we flew to Florida for our Training Camp.
"Being away allowed us to have some deep conversations and in the circumstances it is clearly best for Eddy to cut short his stay and return home to Australia.
"Shaun Wane has a range of options and a very strong squad to choose from, he is happy that this is the right decision. Eddy leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club."
