Panthers release Grevsmuhl for personal reasons

RUGBY LEAGUE: Penrith has released talented forward Chris Grevsmuhl from his NRL contract due to personal reasons after he did not return to pre-season training with the club.

Grevsmuhl still had two seasons to run on his contract but has taken an indefinite break from the game.

Foxsports.com.au said the Panthers agreed to the release, making Grevsmuhl's welfare their top priority.

The 23-year-old's manger Col Davis declined to comment.

Speculation has already started that he will return home to North Queensland to join the Cowboys next season, after the departure of James Tamou and retirement of Ben Hannant.

Grevsmuhl joined the Panthers in May this year after being granted a release from the Rabbitohs, where he made his NRL debut in 2015.