Rabbitohs release Widders for UK

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have released Dean Widders from the final year of his playing contract to allow the second-rower to join European Super League club Castleford.

Widders will play out the current season with the Rabbitohs, before joining Castleford for three years from the start of the 2009 season.

The 29-year-old has played 159 NRL games throughout his career, with 34 of them coming for the Rabbitohs, after previous stints with the Roosters and Eels.

Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said Widders' loss would be a blow for the club, but he had no hesitation in releasing the veteran.

"Dean is one of the game's true gentlemen, a hard-working community hero and a fine footballer," Richardson said.

"We wish him the best of luck at Castleford."