Wests Tigers boss Shane Richardson has explained the decision to part ways with halfback Jayden Sullivan, despite having three years to run on his contract.
The young playmaker joined the club in 2024, but managed just a handful of games and was at long-odds to play next year with the arrival of Jarome Luai.
Sullivan was set to earn $2.1 million over the remainder of his deal at the Tigers, but has opted to take an offer from the Rabbitohs and will make the move for 2025.
The contract will see Sullivan move to Redfern for one year, before a two-year deal to return to Concord in 2026 and 2027.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Richardson explained the rare decision and heaped praise on Sullivan for the way he has handled the situation.
Jayden Sullivan will move to his third club in as many years. Â Getty
"The only reason we've let Jayden go is because you can't have him on that money when we've signed Jarome," the chief executive said.
"Once we signed Jarome, it was always going to be difficult to carry Jayden on the money he was on. There have been no issues with Jayden, we just couldn't afford to keep paying him what we were paying him.
"Obviously if he gets exposed and plays regular first grade, he might attract interest and have a chance to land a better deal; we're open to letting him go if that happens."
Tigers coach Benji Marshall believes the 23-year-old will find his feet at the Bunnies.
"Bud is a good person and a very talented player, and we all hope this move works out for him," he said in a statement on Friday morning.
Sullivan started his career at the Dragons, but was squeezed out after Shane Flanagan joined the club as head coach in late-2023.
Jayden Sullivan and Mark Ellison. South Sydney Rabbitohs
South Sydney have also confirmed the signing, with Sullivan spotted in his new colours.
"Jayden is a great talent and we think he can play his best football here at the Rabbitohs under the guidance of Wayne [Bennett]," head of football Mark Ellison said.
"He was one of the country's best young talents coming through the junior rep system.
"He will add to our depth in the five-eighth and halfback positions and we are looking forward to Jayden joining us for pre-season training."
He will battle with the likes of Lewis Dodd and Jamie Humphreys for a spot in the halves alongside Cody Walker in the red and green next year.