Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco has officially reneged on a lucrative deal with Canberra, just eight days after signing with the club.
Tedesco's dramatic backflip comes just 24 hours after Penrith winger Josh Mansour rejected an offer to move to the nation's capital.
A third player, Melbourne back-rower Kevin Proctor, allegedly went back on a handshake agreement with the Raiders to re-sign with the Storm last week.
It is yet another blow for the Raiders, who will also lose star fullback Anthony Milford to Brisbane at the end of the season.
This is the official release sent out by the Wests Tigers on Wednesday night:
"After much thought, James Tedesco has approached the club this evening and advised CEO Grant Mayer that his preference is to stay at the Wests Tigers beyond this season."
Mayer said: "There is no doubt that this has been a difficult period for James and his family but we are clearly thrilled that he has decided to stay with the club.
"This is a brave decision by James that will undoubtedly show many that his belief in his mates and belief in the club far outweighs all other influences.
"All at the club are delighted with his decision and we will work towards concluding the terms that were last available to him from the Wests Tigers."
Tedesco added: "I firstly need to apologise to the Canberra Raiders for my change of heart. They have been great throughout the whole process. That said, I never felt totally comfortable with my decision and after thinking it through I realised it would be too hard to leave my best mates.
"I understand that the Raiders and their fans will be disappointed and I apologise to all of them for making this decision and I only hope they will understand."
