“There’s some personal issues that need to get sorted out and unfortunately he couldn’t do that in Albury, so he’s returned to Sydney,” club president Rick O’Connell said.

“While we’re very disappointed, we understand why it’s happened, and we wish him all the best.”

Brackenhofer formed an integral part of the club’s strong recruiting campaign.

Despite his youth, he had spent close to a decade in the Penrith Panthers’ system.

Brackenhofer played with gun forward Dave Cowhan in the NRL club’s lower grades.

The halfback is the most important player in a Rugby League team, acting as the crucial link between the backs and forwards.

The departure leaves the club short of that playmaker, less than two months from the season start.

“We recruited Jarrod because of his form and ability, playing at the level he was, so obviously when you’re trying to build your team it’s a massive loss,” O’Connell said.

“But we’re blessed young Mac Daly, a junior from the club, has returned to Albury after university, so it probably opens up the door for him.”

It’s been a rollercoaster off-season for the club.

The club signed NSW Country Bulls’ forward Tuki Jackson as coach, and then picked up one of the league’s star signings in former NRL powerhouse Etu Uaisele.

Former Campbelltown City hooker Nathan Wilson has also returned.

However, the Thunder lost star fullback Ben Jeffery, as well as siblings Chris and Mitch Seaton.