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CRAIG Wing has quit the NRL to play rugby union in Japan.
Exclusive by Dean Ritchie
The South Sydney star has had money disputes with the Rabbitohs over third party agreements.
There were also suggestions Wing was sounded by the Sydney Roosters - his former club - and Parramatta.
But Wing has decided to leave rugby league for Japanese rugby union - with Souths agreeing to release him from the final two years of his contract.
He will see out the rest of this season with the Rabbitohs.
Rabbitohs chief executive Shane Richardson said the club's board had agreed to the request on compassionate grounds.
"Craig's personal issues have been well documented over recent months,'' Richardson said, referring to Wing's reported recent financial troubles.
"The contract with Japanese Rugby will go a long way to helping his personal situation and we respect that and wish him well in his further football career.
"It has always been our desire to have Craig see out his contract with our club but after careful consideration over the past fortnight, the board and management of the club understand that it was in Craig's best interests that he be granted a release.
"We certainly wish Craig all the very best in his transition to rugby union in Japan from 2010.''
Wing will leave the NRL having played more than 250 NRL games, 13 Tests for Australia and 12 State of Origin games for NSW, including two in the Blues' series loss this year.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time back at the Rabbitohs and I am sad to be leaving both South Sydney and the NRL,'' Wing said today.
"I truly appreciate the club granting me this special release and I want to thank Souths for agreeing to my request so that I can move on with my personal life off the field.
"The members, sponsors, coaches, my team mates and the board have all been very supportive over the past two years and I thank them for that.
"I started my NRL career here in the red and green and it is fitting that I finish it in this great jersey.
"I am looking forward to finishing the season off strongly and I will be doing my best to ensure we make the finals.''
Cronulla's Fraser Anderson quit the NRL earlier this year to sign with Japanese rugby union
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