Tuesday 10 June 2014 13:04, UK
Wigan Warriors have confirmed stand-off Blake Green will leave the club at the end of the season upon the conclusion of his two-year contract.
The 27-year-old joined from Hull KR in 2013 having previously played for Canterbury Bulldogs, Parramatta Eels and Cronulla Sharks in the NRL.
Green helped Wigan win the Super League and Challenge Cup double during his first season at the DW Stadium, including scooping the Harry Sunderland Trophy for man-of-the-match in the 2013 Grand Final triumph against Warrington.
I have thoroughly enjoy my time here and made some wonderful friends and created memories that will stay with me forever.
The popular Australian playmaker is currently sidelined having suffered torn biceps in Wigan’s Magic Weekend success over Leeds Rhinos and he could return to action in August.
“I have thoroughly enjoy my time here and made some wonderful friends and created memories that will stay with me forever,” Green told the club’s official website.
“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.
"2013 was a fantastic year for Wigan, winning the double, and I am confident that my injury will be sorted soon so I can play my part in trying to retain the Super League trophy again.
“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."
The Warriors had opened contract talks with Green with a view to extending his stay with the Super League champions and head coach Shaun Wane is disappointed to be losing his services.
“Blake has been outstanding for us and a pleasure to coach over the past 18 months,” said Wane. “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.
"His departure provides a great opportunity for one of our young halves to step up and I have every confidence that the likes of George Williams, Sam Powell and (Ryan) Rocky Hampshire will grasp the opportunity and cement themselves as first team stars during Blake's injury absence, making the transition at the end of the season a seamless one."
