Former Melbourne grand final winner Clint Newton will return to the NRL with Penrith next season after being granted a release from the final year of his contract with Hull KR.
Newton made 97 appearances for the Super League club since making his debut in 2008, but the 30-year-old will get the chance to test himself in the NRL once again after signing a two-year deal with the Panthers.
The Newcastle junior was forced out of the Knights in 2007 by then coach Brian Smith, and linked up with the Storm.
Although Melbourne have since been stripped of their '07 premiership, Clinton was a key member of their thumping grand final win over Manly.
Panthers general manager Phil Gould thanked Hull KR for their co-operation in releasing the member of the 2009 Super League Dream Team.
"On behalf of the Panthers, I would like to thank Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell and his management team for the professionalism and compassion they have displayed in allowing Clint to return to the NRL," Gould said.
Newton will make his final home appearance for Hull KR in Saturday's game against Castleford, which the Rovers need to win to secure their place in the playoffs.
"Clint's reasons for wanting to return home now are perfectly understandable and, given his exemplary service to the club over the last four years, we were prepared to grant him a release," said Hudgell.
Newton said he'd applied for the release based chiefly on family reasons.
"It has been an honour and privilege to play for Rovers and live in the city of Hull these last four years," he said.
"My decision to take up the opportunity to move back home comes with a heavy heart and it's not a decision that was made overnight.
"This decision is what's best for my future, my partner and my family and those reasons are the only reason for my departure, nothing else."
nrl.com
