The North Queensland Cowboys have officially released Willie Tonga and Internet reports have suggested he is on his way to the Eels.
Below is the announcement from North Queensland, while Rugby League Week have claimed via their Twitter account that Tonga is "Parra bound".
Tonga has been linked with the Eels for a number of weeks after former club legend Peter Sterling sensationally pre-announced the signing during a Friday night League coverage. It was denied at the time by Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney, however in the following days North Queensland confirmed they had given Tonga permission to speak to other clubs.
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have today released centre Willie Tonga from the final year of his contract to pursue other opportunities with his rugby league career.
General Manager – Football Peter Parr said Tonga, who has been a valued member of the Cowboys’ squad for the past three seasons, would remain a key part of the club’s 2011 NRL campaign.
The Cowboys and Tonga have mutually agreed that it is best for him to seek a contract at another club from the end of this season.
Tonga said his decision to leave the Cowboys a year earlier than expected was not for football-related reasons, but rather for a change of lifestyle.
“I have nothing but good things to say about the Cowboys, my time with the club, the coaches I have worked with, the players I have played with and the staff here,” Tonga said.
“I’ve had a great time playing footy with the Cowboys and look forward to ending off this season on a high note.
“I have decided that I want to move away from Townsville and that’s the only reason why I’ve come to this decision.
“I’d like to thank the club for letting me chase other options and hope our members and supporters can understand why I’ve decided to leave.
“It’s been an honour to play for the Cowboys.”
Parr said the Cowboys fully respected Tonga’s decision and hoped another NRL club would soon sign the Test and Origin back.
“Willie has been a fine player for this club and we’ll be sad to see him go,” he said.
“We look forward to him finishing his time at the Cowboys in the best possible manner.”
Replies
We'll probably hear something in the next few days.
anyone who thinks we might get izzy are dreamin'!
I heard that Tonga has a meeting with fat head Gould tommorow has an offer that will be hard to refuse, maybe he is penrith bound, and also there may be truth in that Jennings to parra rumour after all????
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