Penrith has confirmed that Tim Grant will terminate his contract, effective immediately.
Grant suffered a major pectoral injury in last week's win over Manly.
While there was a minor chance the 31-year-old would be able to successfully rehabilitate the injury and play again this season, Grant decided to pursue a season-ending surgery and terminate his one-year deal with the Panthers.
The former NSW Blues will take the rest of the season to weigh up his future playing options.
After nine seasons with the Panthers, Grant believes it was the right decision to leave at this time.
โWhile itโs obviously disappointing for my time with Panthers to end in these circumstances, Iโm immensely proud of what Iโve achieved at the club,โ Grant told the club's website.
โI want to thank all the Panthers members and fans for their kindness and support over the years.
โI strongly believe in where this club is going and I donโt want to stand in the way of the next local junior getting his chance in the NRL.โ
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary praised Grant's contribution to the club.
โTim has been a true professional that our younger players have been able to learn from,โ he said.
โHe demonstrates a โteam firstโ and โclub firstโ mentality, and through persistence and consistency of performance, he earned a starting spot this season.
โWe extend our sincere thanks to Tim for his years of service to the club and wish him all the best for the future.โ
Grant played 129 games for the club, making his NRL debut in 2007.
Here comes Russell Packer…..
God I hope not.
he is locked in trust me….He is one of Iv’s fav’s….Packer has a pea sized heart when things don’t go his way….enjoy him
Surely Liam Martin will be promoted back to the top 30?
Martin should be the starting lock. He has something to offer in attack & defence. He’s an attacking threat & gives something different to just the running of Kikau.
Martin lock, Harris / Kikau second row & Yeo to the bench.