NZ Warriors star Chanel Harris-Tavita is reportedly taking a break from the NRL to travel overseas next year.
The young half has rejected offers from the club to stay on beyond his current contract and was believed to be considering his options on the open market, but AAP reports he will step away from the game altogether.
"I want to take a break from rugby league," he told AAP. "I've made the decision in the last couple of weeks.
"Over the last year, I haven't been enjoying it as much as I want to, even though being an NRL player was something I dreamed of as a kid. I have felt guilty when I think about the decision I'm making.
"There are plenty of kids out there that would love to be in my position and stepping back from the game might look like I'm taking it all for granted.
"I just think it's the best decision for me. Each time I told a family member or friend, it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders."
The playmaker hasn't played since the record 70-10 defeat to Melbourne Storm on Anzac Day, after finishing the game with a ruptured testicle. The Warriors have also been actively recruiting halves, with Deajarn Asi and Sydney Roosters junior Ronald Volkman recently added to the roster, and Manly veteran Dylan Walker and Cronulla rookie Luke Metcalfe arriving next season.
In recent weeks, the Warriors have also lost former Gold Coast star Ash Taylor to medical retirement and Kodi Nikorima, as a mid-season transfer to South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Harris-Tavita, 23, has made 44 appearances for the Warriors and is highly regarded by coach Nathan Brown, who confirmed the club was still trying to secure his services beyond this season.
"I was trying to delay the contract decision," said Harris-Tavita. "Deep down, I knew I didn't want to sign another contract and I was trying to hide that feeling from everyone, including myself.
"A couple of weeks ago my manager was coming to Brisbane to negotiate my contract and I said to myself, 'Am I going to grow some balls and make this decision now, or am I just going to keep everyone else happy?'.
"Before that I was practically lying to everyone about what I wanted to do."
Harris-Tavita still hopes to play out the 2022 season for the Warriors and earn selection for the Rugby League World Cup in England - for either New Zealand or Samoan - before embarking on his overseas experience.
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