The Chris Sandow saga has taken another twist with Parramatta coach Brad Arthur willing to grant the halfback's request for an immediate release provided the Eels aren't left to pay out his lucrative NRL contract.
Two days after saying Sandow would remain with Parramatta for the rest of the season, Arthur changed his tune on Saturday.
"Chris has asked for a release and I've got to do what I think is best for the team and the club, and that's not releasing Chris and staying on the books to get paid," Arthur said on Triple M NRL.
Asked if he'd be happy to let Sandow go if he didn't have to paid out, Arthur replied: "Yes".
Sandow is in the sights of English club Warrington and has until July 25 - the Super League cut-off - to join the Tony Smith-coached Wolves.
The former South Sydney No.7, who is in the final year of a rich deal with the Eels, has been asking for a release for several weeks.
But Arthur is tired of the club paying out players while they continue their careers elsewhere and said they can't afford to keep doing it.
Just last week, it was revealed the Eels were still paying superstar Jarryd Hayne $50,000 despite him quitting and pursuing his dream to play in the NFL.
Warrington have publicly declared their interest in Sandow with coach Smith speaking about the halfback to British media during the week.
"We've spoken to a number of people on this and that side of the world. He's (Sandow) on the list," Smith told the BBC.
Should Sandow join Warrington, he could potentially play in the halves with Newcastle stalwart Kurt Gidley, who has signed there for next season.
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