Captain Aaron Woods says instability and frequent drama surrounding Wests Tigers contributed to his decision to leave for a four-year deal with NRL rivals Canterbury.
The Bulldogs confirmed rugby league's worst-kept secret on Sunday, announcing Woods had signed to head to Belmore at the end of the season.
Woods said he never thought he would leave the Tigers, where he started as a junior but frustration played a part in his exit following several turbulent seasons at the club.
The dramas in that period were highlighted by long-running saga as former skipper Robbie Farah was forced out by coach Jason Taylor, who was himself sacked earlier this season.
"It was a hard decision but at the Tigers there are a lot of ups and downs, a lot of instability," Woods told Fox Sports.
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"A lot of things happen in the background at the club from a higher place that is out of our control - we're forever in the media.
"We are football players. It is the stuff that comes with it, it takes its toll after a while."
Woods' comments are similar to those from fullback star James Tedesco, who is expected to sign with Sydney Roosters, having admitted earlier this month he was tempted by the off-field stability at the Roosters and Canterbury.
Five-eighth Mitchell Moses is also expected to join Parramatta next year, leaving only halfback Luke Brooks of the Tigers' so-called Big Four who came off contract this season.
Woods, who has a regular spot on Fox Sports' NRL 360 show, has been the face of the Tigers through the recent troubled times and he has paid a price for it at times as his much-publicised contract situation played out.
He has been targeted with boos from some disgruntled Tigers fans and one pointed banner on the hill at Leichhardt Oval during Saturay's 22-16 loss to Crobulla read "Woods is a Dog".
Woods was asked if he felt there had been a lack of support for him at the club in the recent dramatic months.
"I felt let down a little bit," Woods said.
"Since Jason Taylor got sacked it's come out publicly that the big four at the time, everyone was saying about us that we got him sacked.
"That's a complete lie. The board and the CEOs make decisions. We just play football - that's it."
Tigers officials were full of praise for Woods in a statement announcing his season-end departure.
"While we're incredibly disappointed that Aaron will be leaving Wests Tigers at the end of the season we wish him well in the future," chair Marina Go said in a statement.
"He has led from the front every time that he has pulled on the Wests Tigers jersey and continually inspired those around him.
It comes after the club emailed members during the week to urge them to stop booing the 133-game player.
Fan frustrations appeared to hit a new low following Saturday's match, with the club confirming on Sunday they are working with NSW Police to investigate an incident where a full can of drink was thrown, landing between two players on the field.
