Penrith Panthers release UK-bound Walsh Halfback Luke Walsh has been released by Penrith and will leave the club at the end of the NRL season, the Panthers announced on Tuesday. Walsh, who has played a role in the Panthers' recent resurgence which has netted three straight wins, will join English Super League club St Helens. Penrith have recruited St George Illawarra five-eighth Jamie Soward on a four-year deal starting next season, with the club reported to be still chasing a marquee playmaker after missing out on Johnathan Thurston and Todd Carney. Off-contract Wests Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall has been mentioned as a possible target, while the Panthers have also been linked to Brisbane's Peter Wallace. Panthers general manager of rugby league Phil Moss paid tribute to Walsh's efforts at the club. "Luke has made a wonderful contribution to the Panthers and will always be a highly valued member of our club," Moss said in a statement.