Well that is a new way to get out of a contract. Seek compassionate leave, get a release on that basis and then you are free to sign for another club and your new club gets you for free.

Very cynical. He’ll be playing for absolute peanuts at NZW, night not even play for them at all and is on a one year contract.

I know yeah, all he had to do was get his girlfriend involved in a bad car crash

Based on what?

Wigan wouldn’t have asked for a fee anyway even if NZW had come straight to us. They’ve managed to squeeze him in as back up so they were never going to put any cash up.

I think Gelling has given us enough of his life to enable us to feel pleased for him.

Agreed. In 9/10 cases, there's plenty of reasons to be cynical when players break their contracts - but not in this case. His girlfriend had a serious accident, he didn't want to sit out her recovery on the other side of the world and he's taken an opportunity to keep playing. Is it really more complicated than that?

AFAIAC the Gelling issue is not about how he has behaved but about communication between club and fan base. I hope that he can get a start and it is probably a good thing for both parties. TBH Anthony did not have a great season and he took a lot of stick from fans when he put his hand up to play whilst unfit. I wish him well.
What annoys me is the cackhanded way the club manage this situation, rather than giving some more definitive response. We live in an instant news world where a lack of information creates a void which is always filled with the most extreme rumours. These in turn have a negative effect. Probably the best response would have been a swift announcement saying that A G was tacking a leave of absence for........and we will be looking for a replacement who will strengthen the squad..... After that the club would have had room to manouver.

One issue still stands out in the Gelling saga, and that is choice of club. This is a marriage of convenience between player and club but the fit does not seem a good one. Firstly we are led to believe that NZ Warriors do not really need him so he will be a bit part player, which would be a shame. Secondly, in the recent past, NZW were not known for a strongly disciplined approach that would keep a free spirit like Gelling on the straight and narrow. I hope that It works out for the lad but cannot help thinking that his heart is ruling his head.

Without wishing to sound funny I guess his choice of club has nothing to do with it.
It wasn't a choice, it was pretty much his only professional rugby league option.

Good luck to him