The Wests Tigers have granted forward Ben Murdoch-Masila an immediate release from his NRL contract to join rivals Penrith.
The 23-year-old will link up with the Panthers for the remainder of the 2014 season and 2015.
Murdoch-Masila has played 52 first-grade games for the Tigers since making his debut for the joint-venture in their 2010 semi-final against the Sydney Roosters but is yet to play a NRL match this season.
"I have really enjoyed my time at the Wests Tigers and I'm thankful for the opportunity the club gave me over my five years here," Murdoch-Masila said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The Wests Tigers have a lot of promising young kids coming through the grades and I feel as though I need to take up the opportunity Penrith have given me."
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Panthers general manager of rugby league Phil Moss said Murdoch-Masila would be a great addition to their line-up.
"Ben is a powerful, hard-running forward with a lot of experience behind him," Moss said in a statement.
"He will add depth and size to our second-row and promises to showcase some exciting football with his aggressive attacking style."
NSW Cup winger Taqele Naiyaravoro has also been released by the Tigers, the 22-year-old switching codes and joining Super Rugby outfit the NSW Waratahs immediately.
Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter thanked both players for their efforts while at the club.
"Both Ben and Taqele have been presented with an opportunity to further develop their respective careers and I wish them well in the future," he said.
