Tony Caine statement

15 March 2008:

The St George Illawarra Dragons regretfully announce that Tony Caine has been granted a release from his playing contract effectively immediately.

Caine,21, requested a release from the Dragons for the remainder of the his contract term to seek a complete period of rest for his troublesome knee that was severely damaged in 2006 during his NRL debut with the Sharks.

Caine joined the Dragons during 2006 and began an intensive rehabilitation program in attempt to make a come back to rugby league in preparation for the 2007 season which he did successfully, playing nine NRL games and 14 Premier League matches.

Although Caine participated in the Dragons 2008 pre-season and in the opening game of the season - the Illawarra Mercury Challenge against the Bulldogs, Caine believed that just getting through training was not enough to be the best he believes he could be and to challenge for a regular place in the NRL team.