WIGAN Warriors will be forced to part company with influential Australian second rower David Furner at the end of the season as strict new salary laws are enforced writes Chris Hall

Furner has become a crowd favourite at the JJB Stadium since signing from Canberra Raiders before the start of last season and was expected to be offered a new contract for next year.

His strong and committed style of play, matched by his excellent ball handling skills, have made him a key part of coach Stuart Raper's Super League plans and an inspirational figure for the promising young talent on the fringes of a first team breakthrough.

But Warriors are now resigned to losing the former Kangaroo Test ace as the salary cap starts to strangle Super League's big spenders.

Previously clubs have been allowed to spend up to half of their gross income on wages, with up to 20 players earning more than £20,000 a year. But this is widely believed to favour the richest clubs, who can generate more income and therefore afford the best players in the world.

From the start of next season, no club's wage bill must rise above £1.8million, spelling the end of the line for a string of highly paid Australian imports, including Furner.

"It's very sad for both the club and David that we are unable to offer him a contract next year," said Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay.

"He is the complete player both on and off the field. Not only is he a match winner but he is a terrific influence and indeed a role model for the young players at our club.

"The simple facts are that the salary cap prevents us from resigning him."

Furner himself said he was sad to be leaving Wigan.

"It is obviously a bitter blow as I love playing at Wigan and both the club and the fans have been terrific to be associated with," he said.