Why Penrith had to release Bryce Cartwright to take up deal with Gold Coast Titans

PENRITH have let Bryce Cartwright walk away from a lucrative five-year deal, but PHIL ROTHFIELD believes the Panthers have done the right thing.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — APRIL 22: Bryce Cartwright of the Panthers offloads the ball during the round eight NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium on April 22, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)

GOOD on the Penrith Panthers for releasing Bryce Cartwright from the remainder of his contract.

We’re obviously dealing with a young man with serious personal problems away from rugby league.

Gus Gould has unselfishly given up a future Origin and Kangaroos player much to the detriment of his own team.

Cartwright struggled on and off the field in 2017.

Cartwright needs to get out of Penrith. His personal issues were well documented on the front page of this newspaper last year.

It is no secret that he hangs around with the wrong crowd.

I was tipped off early in the off-season that Penrith were on the verge of releasing him.

Gould and coach Anthony Griffin tried as hard as they could to help turn his life around but couldn’t do it.

OUT: Cartwright heads to Gold Coast on a four-year deal

So reluctantly he has been sent to play under the Panthers’ former NSW Cup coach Garth Brennan, who has a close relationship with the young forward.

This is a great move for all concerned.

Penrith can now move on without speculation about his future and try to find a replacement edge forward.

The Titans get an impact player who could life the club into finals contention.

And the kid himself gets a fresh start, which is exactly what he needs.