Salary cap forces Wigan to cut 'role model' Furner

Wigan have told their Australian international second-rower, David Furner, that they cannot afford to keep him next season.

Furner is coming to the end of an initial two-year contract, but Wigan have to reduce their spending on players from £2.3m to £1.8m to comply with their salary cap and say that precludes them from offering him a new deal.

"It's very sad for both the club and for David that we are unable to offer him a contract for next year," said the Wigan chairman, Maurice Lindsay.

"If we could, we certainly would, because we believe he is the complete player, on and off the field.

"Not only is he a match winner, he is a terrific influence and a role model for the young players at the club.

"The simple fact is that the salary cap prevents us from re-signing him."

The 32-year-old former Canberra Raiders forward admitted to being disappointed by the decision. "It's obviously a bitter blow, because I love playing at Wigan. My family are happy here, but if the salary cap prevents me from signing I will have to look at other options," he said.

Lindsay said that his recent trip to Australia had shown him that Furner would still be in demand, but one club, Cronulla, have already dropped out of contention to sign him.

The Sharks' chief executive, Steve Rogers, said that the club would have liked to recruit the former Test forward, but that they could not afford him.

London Broncos have also told a player – the French winger, Sylvain Houles – that he will not be re-signed for next season. Halifax have recalled their winger, Danny Halliwell, from his loan at Warrington for Friday's match against St Helens.

The Melbourne and New Zealand hooker, Richard Swain, is looking increasingly likely to be playing in Super League next season. Melbourne Storm, who have been fined for going above their salary cap for the last two years, have told Swain they cannot retain him.

"This is the toughest decision the club has had to make," said their chief executive, Chris Johns. "We are determined not to be fined again."

The decision to release Swain, regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, is certain to spark interest in Super League, where several clubs have already been contacted about his availability.

Castleford have signed Andy Kain, a 16-year-old half-back from the junior club, Smawthorne Panthers, against opposition from other Super League clubs.