Panthers' Dallin Watene-Zelezniak free to talk with other clubs after seeking immediate release
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has reportedly asked Penrith for a release in another bitter blow for the struggling NRL club.
The New Zealand skipper told Panthers officials he wanted an immediate release despite being contracted until 2020, News Corp reported on Wednesday.
Watene-Zelezniak was earlier this month linked with a move to Parramatta and his future became clouded after he was this week dropped by coach Ivan Cleary.
"Earlier this week, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s management sought permission from Panthers to speak with other NRL clubs regarding Dallin’s immediate and future playing career," Penrith said in a statement.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak AAP
"This permission was granted following discussions by the club’s retention and recruitment committee.
"Out of respect for all parties, the club will be making no further comment at this time. "
Cleary on Wednesday refused to comment on the 23-year-old's future after he was relegated to reserve grade following their 30-10 capitulation at the hands of the Warriors last week.
North Queensland have also been linked to Watene-Zelezniak as they seek to solve their fullback conundrum after Ben Barba was banned for life by the NRL and they missed out on NFL aspirant Valentine Holmes.
Ivan Cleary and Nathan Cleary Getty
Meanwhile, coach Cleary assured had a plan to rescue the Panthers and it's "going to be sweet", but admits deep issues are engulfing the NRL club.
What the problems are and how he intends to fix them are topics, the embattled coach is refusing to divulge.
Considered title contenders when Cleary arrived in the summer, the last-placed Panthers are in the midst of their worst losing streak amid speculation of player unrest.
"What you're seeing on the field is an outcome of deeper issues, obviously," Cleary said ahead of Thursday's round 11 match against Parramatta.
Penrith Panthers capitulate to Sharks AAP
"I think the last three weeks have shown that, on the field, there's some things deeper down that we've got to find out.
"I've worked out quite a few things in the last month that has given us a plan going forward. Looking forward to getting into it."
Asked to elaborate on what he's figured out, Cleary said: "Nah, I'm not going to do that. So many factors go into it that you can't always pinpoint exactly what it is."
"It's a combination of things. I'm not going to talk out of school there.
