Penrith confirm Gower\'s 2008 release

Penrith have agreed to release star halfback Craig Gower from the final two years of his NRL contract to join French rugby club Bayonne from 2008.

Gower met with Panthers coach Matthew Elliott yesterday to tell him he wanted an early release. A formal request has been made by his manager, Greg Willett, today, with the Panthers agreeing in principle to release the former Australian and New South Wales halfback from his current deal.

The request will be put to the Penrith Board at its regular meeting tomorrow. Gower will play out the rest of the 2007 season at the Panthers.