Forward Aaron Pene has been granted an early release from his contract with NZ Warriors.
Pene had one year remaining on his two-year deal with the club, which he joined in 2021, after two seasons with Melbourne Storm.
The 27-year-old made his club debut against St George Dragons in the opening round of the 2022 season.
After struggling to crack the rotation at Melbourne - playing just 10 games in two seasons - Pene signed on with the Warriors, where he made 14 appearances, mostly off the interchange bench.
The Sydneysider of Samoan heritage last featured for the Warriors in the round 21 defeat to South Sydney Rabbitohs and was overlooked for selection for the final four games of their campaign.
Pene would have faced stiff competition in his favoured second-row position next season, when the Warriors bolster their stocks with the arrival of Marata Niukore from Parramatta Eels and Jackson Ford from the Dragons.
The early release allows him to explore options with other NRL clubs.
"We thank Aaron for his contribution this year and wish him all the best for the future," said Warriors chief executive Cameron George.
