Australian forward Trent Waterhouse is to leave Warrington Wolves at the end of the season, the club have announced.
The 33-year-old second rower, who won two caps for the Kangaroos, has made 78 appearances for Warrington since joining them from Penrith Panthers three years ago and was in their Challenge Cup-winning team in 2012.
The Wolves are also parting company with winger Chris Riley, who has spent most of the season on loan at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, and fringe players Jordan Burke, Danny Bridge, James Saltonstall and Gavin Bennion.
Wakefield are keen to retain the services of the Warrington-born Riley, who has scored 120 tries in 180 appearances since making his debut in 2005. His only appearance this year was in the opening fixture against St Helens.
Waterhouse is expected to hang up his boots, along with hooker Michael Monaghan, who announced his decision to retire earlier this year.
Warrington are also parting company with first-team coaches Willie Poching and Richard Marshall, as well as conditioner Chris Baron, sports scientist Andy Holleyhead, soft tissue therapist Amanda Turner and joint Under-19s community coach Danny Fullerton.
Warrington’s head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith, who has appointed former Wakefield and Hull FC boss Richard Agar as his new right-hand man for next season, said: “All of these players and coaches have been a pleasure to work with over their time at the club and have contributed to our continuing success.
“We’ve all built up a great relationship and anybody who has been part of the Warrington family will always be welcomed back. We wish them all well for the future and look forward to our paths crossing in the future.”
Smith said that Waterhouse would have his support if he decides to continue his career elsewhere.
“If he wants to keep playing, that’s good, I don’t retire anybody,” Smith said.
“He understood why I couldn’t renew his contract but, if he wants to keep playing, I’ll support him every step of the way.”
Smith also intends to help Monaghan take his first step into coaching as it was revealed his is being linked with the vacancy at relegated Championship club North Wales Crusaders.
“I hope Michael can get a job in this country as a coach,” Smith said. “I’ll do everything I can to help him. He’s very knowledgeable and has a lot to give the game.”
Meanwhile, Warrington have confirmed that utility forward Simon Grix may miss the start of next season after breaking his leg in last Thursday’s win over St Helens and that second rower Ben Westwood may miss the end of the current season with a torn calf.
Grix has undergone surgery for fractures of both his tibia and fibula and is expected to start his pre-season training in January.
“If he makes the first game of the season, he’ll have done well,” Smith said. “It might be the back end of February when he’s fit again.”
Westwood, the club’s joint captain, has been ruled out of Thursday’s final league game of the season at Wigan Warriors and could be struggling to play in the Grand Final on October 11 if the Wolves get there.
“He’s going to be out for two or three weeks at best,” Smith added. “He’s got a grade one, stroke two tear in his calf muscle. Ben’s a good healer so he might surprise us.”