His contract for 2021 ended on 30th Oct 2021 - yet he was dragged in to defend himself on November 3rd, where they 'terminated the NRL playing contract of...'.
If he was unsigned the decision becomes 'have decided to not renew the NRL playing contract of...'.
Same result, but very different processes.
Still, I don't think he'll ever be back. Panthers seem happy to pretend he doesn't exist, having failed to mention him at the GF parade or presentation night. They don't seem to realise that they can hold his conduct in contempt, while still acknowledging his contributions to the club. Personally I wouldn't want to go back to an organisation like that.