Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary says Mitchell Moses' performances and changed demeanour over the past fortnight pushed him to grant an immediate release to Parramatta.
Talented five-eighth Moses will line up for the Eels in Saturday's NRL clash with Canberra just four days after securing a mid-season exit.
Meanwhile, West Tigers, languishing at 15th on the ladder with a 3-7 record, must battle on without the key playmaker who was contracted to the end of the season.
While Cleary wished Moses well, the coach took a subtle dig at his attitude and commitment over his final fortnight at Concord when he addressed reporters before flying the Brisbane for the Tigers' clash with the Broncos on Friday.
Cleary first received a request from Moses' manager for a release two days after he took over in April from sacked coach Jason Taylor but, up until Tuesday, had knocked it back.
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Cleary indicated his hand was forced after Moses' lacklustre performances over the past two weeks, which included eight missed tackles in last Friday's loss to South Sydney.
"The last time I spoke about (Moses' situation) publicly was after the Bulldogs where I thought he played well," Cleary said.
"I mentioned that I hadn't seen anything to suggest in his performances or preparation that he wanted to leave. And that was the thing I was going to go by. Again, there was no benefit to our club for a release.
"I don't know if it's a coincidence but things changed after that.
"His last two performances and general demeanour suggested he just wasn't happy and the logical conclusion was for us to part ways and that's what we've done."
Cleary fired a shot at Moses' manager Isaac Moses, accusing him of "manipulations of the media to drive a personal agenda".
Isaac Moses had complained to the NRL and Rugby League Players' Association, expressing concerns about player welfare after Cleary reportedly told the player he would be granted a release before last week's game with the Rabbitohs, only to change his mind.
"I'd like to discuss the accusation around the way we've handled this situation," said Cleary.
"We take wellbeing very seriously at this club and the track record at the Tigers has been very strong, including the last 12 months.
"I take it very seriously as a coach and it's a huge part of what we do.
"I've been transparent and forthright with my conversations with Mitchell. They're personal and I'll leave it at that.
"It's a bit disappointing some of those conversations have ended up in the media - I don't want that to happen from my end."
