The Penrith Panthers have released Dallin Watene-Zelezniak from the remainder of his contract, freeing the Kiwis captain up to put pen to paper with a rival club in the coming days.
The 23-year-old was given permission to negotiate with other clubs last month and has been heavily linked with a move to the Wests Tigers, with the Parramatta Eels, and the Canterbury Bulldogs also interested.
The Tigers are keen on Watene-Zelezniak, but it's understood Michael Maguire's side is struggling to secure a swap deal with the Panthers.
Reports from Australia say the Tigers are trying to offload Russell Packer, Elijah Taylor and Ben Matulino, players the Panthers are not interested in.
Watene-Zelezniak made his NRL debut in 2014 and made 106 appearances for Penrith, scoring 41 tries.
"While we're obviously disappointed to release him, we do so knowing it is in the best interests of both parties," Panthers chief executive Brian Fletcher said.
"As a local junior and a product of the Panthers development system, Dallin has given our club great service," he said.
Watene-Zelezniak had been contracted to Penrith until the end of the 2020 NRL season.
AAP
