Brett Finch has shocked Parramatta officials by requesting an immediate release from the club to take up a lucrative offer in the English Super League.
Finch made the request late last night and Eels officials were expected to formally announce a release later this morning.
The Eels halfback was struggling for form this year and the news that he was not happy at the club did not come as a surprise to officials. But his request for immediate release was unexpected.
The 27-year-old, who was involved in a recent drinking session with Willie Mason, recently bemoaned the lack of characters in the game.
However, it is understood he was struggling to cope with the pressure of living in the fishbowl existence of the NRL.
Finch immediately stood himself down from Friday night's crucial encounter with St George Illawarra, claiming he was not in a fit mental state to play.
The latest development is a major blow for the Eels, who produced one of the worst displays in recent memory in last weekend's disappointing loss to the Roosters.
The make-up of the Eels halves will now be the next challenge for coach Daniel Anderson. Finch was struggling to develop a fluent halves pairing with former NSW outside back Jarryd Hayne.
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