There were signs that he was set to leave, after he fell out of favour with Knights coach Wayne Bennett, and the signs have been confirmed – with Knights utility back Wes Naiqama released from the final 2 years of his Knights contract.
Naiqama will instead take up a deal with the Penrith Panthers for 2 seasons, joining the club in 2013, but officially starting his duty with them on November 1, 2012.
Naiqama joined the Knights in 2008, playing in 75 games to date for the club, but the utility back has seen both poor form and injury dent his chances of regular first-grade in 2012 for the club.
“We would like to thank Wes for his contribution to our Club over the last five years,†CEO Matt Gidley said.
“Wes leaves with our best wishes and we hope he can recapture some of the form he has displayed throughout his time at our Club, in his new environment at Penrith.â€