Spewing
Cancelled
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2006
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- 790
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- Location
- Fenerbahca Istanbull
- Other Teams
- Manly Warringah SeaEagles
- Banned
- #1
MAT Rogers has been released from his contract by the Australian Rugby Union and NSW Rugby Union and is free to return to rugby league in the new year.
The dual international was granted a release, effective December 31, on compassionate grounds after a 45-minute meeting in Sydney today with ARU chief executive Gary Flowers, general manager Pat Wilson and NSW Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie.
Rogers is now expected to link up with the Gold Coast Titans for their entry to the NRL next season, having initially signed a deal to join the club in 2008 - following next year's Rugby World Cup.
Rogers, 30, is looking to start a new life on the Gold Coast after a series of family tragedies, the latest occurring last week when his older brother Don was taken to hospital after a drug overdose.
His mother Carol died of cancer five years ago and his father - league legend Steve Rogers - was found dead at his Cronulla home in January, having previously suffered from depression.
"This isn't a rugby versus league decision. It's about my family my life my future," Rogers said, reading a prepared statement.
"I have important personal reasons for requesting a release from the Waratahs and Wallabies and, although most of my life has been played out in the media, I do ask for the next period of time that you respect my family's privacy.
"Make no mistake, this is a sad day for me. I'm walking away from a lot of friends that I've made over the past five years but they certainly won't be forgotten."
"Rugby has given me some of the best times of my life but I need to take a new direction."
The dual international was granted a release, effective December 31, on compassionate grounds after a 45-minute meeting in Sydney today with ARU chief executive Gary Flowers, general manager Pat Wilson and NSW Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie.
Rogers is now expected to link up with the Gold Coast Titans for their entry to the NRL next season, having initially signed a deal to join the club in 2008 - following next year's Rugby World Cup.
Rogers, 30, is looking to start a new life on the Gold Coast after a series of family tragedies, the latest occurring last week when his older brother Don was taken to hospital after a drug overdose.
His mother Carol died of cancer five years ago and his father - league legend Steve Rogers - was found dead at his Cronulla home in January, having previously suffered from depression.
"This isn't a rugby versus league decision. It's about my family my life my future," Rogers said, reading a prepared statement.
"I have important personal reasons for requesting a release from the Waratahs and Wallabies and, although most of my life has been played out in the media, I do ask for the next period of time that you respect my family's privacy.
"Make no mistake, this is a sad day for me. I'm walking away from a lot of friends that I've made over the past five years but they certainly won't be forgotten."
"Rugby has given me some of the best times of my life but I need to take a new direction."
