Arana Taumata has quit the Penrith Panthers this afternoon.
The troubled league star Tweeted a short time ago that he had “made a decision to leave” the Panthers.
“I look forward to new challenges in my life,” he said.
“Thanks everyone for you (sic) support.”
The five-eighth was born in New Zealand but was identified has a strong rugby league talent, joining the Brisbane Broncos as a 15-year-old.
But disciplinary issues have dominated his career. After being sacked by the Broncos, he spent time with the Roosters, Bulldogs, Storm and Cowboys before joining Penrith.
He played just two first gade games for Penrith, both last season.
In 2011, he was involved in a drama at the Panthers, with the club investigating the alleged theft of a doctor’s prescription pad, which was later used in an attempt to obtain valium at a pharmacy.
The Panthers stuck by Taumata and last year, General Manager Phil Gould said the 22-year-old had worked hard to turn his life around. Gould told Fairfax Media that he had spent a lot of time with Taumata and his family.
“I’m hoping this story has a happy ending,” Gould said at the time.
The Panthers issued a statement this afternoon confirming that Taumata had sought a release and it had been granted.
