Cusack Released
22nd November 2007
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have granted Peter Cusack a release from the final year of his contract to take up an opportunity with Hull FC in the UK Super League. Cusack, 30, has signed a two-year contract with Hull, starting with his new Club in the new year. Rabbitohs Director of Football Operations Shane Richardson said the Club is happy for Cusack to pursue this new opportunity. “This is reflective of the new culture we are building at the Rabbitohs, working with our players to achieve what is best for them and the Club,” Mr Richardson said. “We spoke to Peter about six weeks ago regarding his and our plans for the future and we didn’t want him to miss a window of opportunity of going to the UK to finish his career if he so desired. “We discussed his options with him and his manager and it went from there. “We were happy for Peter to stay with us for another year but we are also happy for him to be able to shore up his future and finish his career in England. “Peter has been a fantastic leader for us, a committed Clubman and we wish him and his family the best of luck for the future.” Cusack said he is grateful for the Club’s agreement to let him move to England. “I’m really happy with how this has all worked out and I’m thankful that the Rabbitohs have allowed me to negotiate a new contract,” Cusack said. “I want to thank JT (Jason Taylor) and Richo (Shane Richardson) for their help in all of this. They haven’t put me under any pressure and they’ve allowed me to make my own decision. “My time at the Rabbitohs has been wonderful, being part of the team that made the finals for the first time in 18 years, and I know this Club will only get stronger in the next few seasons.” Head Coach Jason Taylor said: “I’m disappointed that Peter is leaving, but he’s been such a great servant to the Club that we didn’t want to stand in his way of taking up such a good opportunity for his career. “Peter has to do what’s right for his family and his career, and we all hope he does really well over in the UK. The whole team wishes him the best of luck in Hull.” Cusack has played 168 first grade games over the past ten seasons, including all 73 of the Rabbitohs’ games over the past three years. Cusack also captained the Rabbitohs for the past two seasons. He has represented Country Origin on two occasions in 2004 and 2007