The Penrith Panthers have confirmed Zane Tetevano has been granted an immediate release from the remainder of his contract.
The 30-year-old forward will join the Leeds Rhinos on a three-year deal.
"While it’s difficult to leave Panthers, I’m extremely grateful to the club for allowing my family and I to take up this opportunity," Tetevano said on the club website.
"My time at Penrith was one of the most enjoyable years of my career.
"I want to thank everyone involved with the club for their support and wish them all the best for the future."
Tetevano played 122 games in his NRL career with stints at the Newcastle Knights, Sydney Roosters and finally the Panthers.
Tetevano has also played finals football the past four seasons so will bring a wealth of experience to the English club.
"Zane had an extraordinary impact on our young squad following his arrival at the club last season," Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said .
"He consistently elevated our training sessions with his professionalism and played an important role in the team’s success in 2020.
"We’ve granted Zane’s request for a release out of respect to him and his family, in consideration of the valuable opportunity they’ve been presented by Leeds Rhinos.
"We wish to thank Leeds Rhinos and Zane’s manager Wayde Rushton for their cooperation through this process.
"We also extend our thanks to Zane for his service to Panthers and wish him the best of luck in the Super League."
I wonder who will take his place? Hopefully, Matt Lodge doesn’t.
Spencer Leniu will fill the space left by Zane Tetevano in the starting squad.
Leniu was already playing some first grade games last season.
They must think they have the forwards coming through to cover Tetevano’s position. Either that, or they plan to buy someone else?
Lindsay Smith has been elevated into the first grade squad, without being on a development contract. He is obviously in the plans.
Smith was given a full contract a couple of months ago. Was already part of the top squad for next season.
That does not mean he would be given game time. Maybe now he will.
With no Hetherington, no Tahmou. He was just about guaranteed game time next season. Now no Tetevano. You’d say he is guaranteed game time.
Supposed to be a future star? Just looking at him, they’ll be getting more weight on him before next season.
On Tetevano. Britain is not a good place to be going to right now. Not for him , or his family.
I agree, EastOfDivide, seems like the second wave may hit NSW.