PAUL Cullen says he reluctantly allowed Mike Wainwright to rejoin Salford because he did not want to stand in the way of a player who had served the club with such distinction.

On Tuesday Wainwright ended a Warrington career spanning 229 appearances and 13 years to join Salford, who he played for between 2000 and 2002, for a second spell until the end of the year.

The 32-year-old second rower had recently been informed he would not be offered a contract for next year and declared his intention to secure his future with a move before the end of the season.

Cullen recently said he was keen to keep Wainwright, who has played through the pain barrier this season but did not figure in the last two matches, until the end of the year.

He has since had a rethink but - with no incomings expected before the transfer deadline tomorrow, Friday - he has dismissed reports that Wainwright left to free salary cap space.

Cullen said: "Mike's gone because he's asked to go.

"It had been asked previously and I didn't support it at that time because we were in a very difficult period and Mike was playing very well. I think defensively this year he's been a rock. But if a player who has done so much for you asks to go, you have to accept that request.

"He's been playing with a number of injuries for a considerable period. He needed to take a break last week and has simply decided during this period that it was time for him to move on.

"It leaves a position now for Simon Grix, Andy Bracek and Ben Harrison to seize that opportunity with both hands. I'm very sad to see Mike go but I sincerely wish him the very best."

Wainwright, who had been set to join a National League club before a chance conversation with a Salford official at the weekend, said: "I'm upset to be leaving but nothing lasts forever.

"I expressed an interest in carrying on playing at the end of the year, which the club were initially interested in, along with a coaching role possibly with the under 18s and the under 21s.

"But circumstances change and the club were good enough to let me know that wouldn't be the case. I didn't want to get to the point where I left it to the end of the season, so I've taken the opportunity now to go and play at another club.

"I've enjoyed my time at Warrington. It's my hometown club and I've been very proud to play there for the last 12 seasons on and off.

"I thoroughly enjoy my job and it's just been a bonus to play in front of the die-hard supporters of my home town for so long. That will be the fond memory I will take with me."