WIGAN ace Trent Barrett will almost definitely leave the club at the end of the season.
The Warriors stand-off is set to return to Australia a year earlier than expected for personal reasons.
Intense speculation has been growing over the 30-year-old's future at the JJB Stadium.
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And now Wigan have revealed they will not force Barrett, whose wife is believed to be homesick, to see out the final year of his contract.
"Trent will definitely complete this season with Wigan, but will almost certainly leave then and not complete his third contracted year," said chairman Ian Lenagan.
But Lenagan said there was still a number of issues to be resolved regarding Barrett, who joined Wigan from St George Illawarra Dragons in 2006.
He added: "The uncertainty arises from the fact that we have not yet received a formal release request from Trent's agent, that discussions on compensation have not yet even started and that changes of mind can sometimes occur in these situations.
"In these particularly genuine circumstances, the Wigan club does not believe that forcing the player to honour his contract would be sensible, since an unsettled player can result in poor performances which are of no benefit to either party."
Warriors coach Brian Noble admitted the loss of the inspirational Aussie, who won the Rugby League Writers' Association Player of the Year award in his first season in Super League, was a huge blow.
"Players like Trent don't fall out of trees in world rugby. It's important we recruit well in the off season," said Noble, with Darren Lockyer, the outstanding Brisbane Broncos and Australia captain, tipped as a possible replacement.
"Trent's enjoyed his stay here but sometimes personal situations come up that affect that."
But Noble has no fears it will affect his performance for the rest of the season.
He added: "I've been convinced throughout the speculation of the last month that Trent has been fully focused.
"The sad thing for Trent is that he has been injured, but he's back now and playing again and that will help him get rid of any distractions."
Ahead of Sunday's derby clash with St Helens at the Millennium Magic, where Super League relocates to Cardiff for the weekend, it has been yet another eventful week for the Warriors.
Noble, himself, put pen to paper on a new 18-month contract on Tuesday, quashing rumours he could move on at the end of the season.
"I'm really excited," said Noble, who admitted there had been offers from other clubs but refused to elaborate further. "We've brought in eight or nine young players over the last couple of years which should stand us in good stead.
"It's important now we keep improving and are a threat in all competitions."
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