Castleford have severed their ties with controversial half-back Rangi Chase.
The 31-year-old former England international, who was the subject of an internal investigation by the Tigers following a second off-field incident of the season, has moved on loan to Super League rivals Widnes for the rest of the year after coach Daryl Powell confirmed he was no longer part of his plans.
Chase, who rejoined the Tigers on a short-term deal last July after spells with Salford and Leigh, was given a contract for 2017 with an option for 2018 but has now played his last match for the club.
Castleford chief executive Steve Gill said: "We had a tough decision to make moving forward as a group and unfortunately Rangi wasn't going to be part of the 2018 squad.
"After speaking with him, it was felt that by giving him an opportunity to go out on loan at Widnes and play week in, week out, it would give him a great opportunity to earn a contract with them.
"(Widnes chief executive) James Rule has made quite a few attempts to take Rangi on loan this year so we felt this was the right time to let it happen.
"We will all have our individual memories of Rangi and I'm sure you would all like to wish him well in the next chapter of his career."
Castleford do not have the option of a recall but say Chase will not be able to play against them this season.
Monday's surprise announcement brings to an end Chase's love affair with the Tigers.
He enjoyed a hugely successful first stint with the club from 2009 to 13, during which time he won the 2011 Man of Steel award as well as eight England caps after switching his allegiance from New Zealand.
Chase expressed his delight on his return to the club but he was dropped in February following an alleged breach of discipline and was investigated for a second time after an incident at last Thursday's Challenge Cup tie between Featherstone and Halifax.
"I have nothing but love for Cas as a club, the players, coaches and backroom staff, including the fans," Chase said in a statement released by Castleford. "It's a place that will always be close to my heart.
"There are people who are in front of me in my position that are playing very well and some awesome young talent coming through.
"I'm aware that I wasn't in the plans for the future and I would like to thank Cas for granting me this opportunity to go out and play as much as I can, and I have Cas to thank for making me fall back in love with my childhood dream again."
Widnes say Chase will report for training on Tuesday and come into contention for Saturday's opening match of the Dacia Magic Weekend against Wakefield in Newcastle on Saturday.
Vikings coach Denis Betts said: "I am excited about Rangi joining the Vikings.
"Whilst we are facing difficult injury challenges, we need players who are fit and able to make a difference - Rangi has proven quality and we are looking forward to seeing his pedigree on the field."