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Anderson, who had a year to run on his contact with the Sharks, joined the club at the start of the 2007 season, playing 43 NRL games in two seasons. The Sharks had been active in negotiations to extend Anderson’s current before this most recent development.

Sharks CEO Tony Zappia in explaining the situation surrounding the release, expressed his disappointment in losing a player of Anderson’s ability but found it impossible to match the financial incentives on offer.

“There was no way we could match the money being offered to Fraser and while disappointed to be losing a player of his ability, have decided to allow him to accept this opportunity,” Zappia said.

In making the decision to release Anderson from the final year of his contract, effective immediately, the Sharks have shown their support for the NRL Board and their decision handed down yesterday.

“There was a request that Fraser play some games this year for the Sharks before leaving to join the Japanese rugby club, however in discussing the situation with Ricky Stuart and the coaching staff, to allow something like this to occur mid season would have been a major disruption to our fans and the playing group.

“We are also supporting the NRL in regards to their stance against players agreeing to contracts with rivals codes yet attempting to remain in the NRL,” Zappia added.

While Anderson’s departure will leave a hole in the Sharks playing roster, the addition of Anthony Tupou and Reni Maitua, along with the return Reece Williams from a serious knee injury, leaves the Sharks well catered for in relation to covering  the loss.

“I was approached in relation to Fraser playing Japanese rugby and acting in his best interests put the offer in front of him,” Thompson said. “It is a great opportunity for him.”