Warrior Krisnan Inu has been granted an immediate release to join NRL rivals Canterbury.

Inu, who has struggled to hold down a first grade spot with the Warriors since his move from Parramatta at the end of 2010, has signed with the Bulldogs until the end of the 2015 season.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah says the Bulldogs sought an immediate release because of an injury crisis among their wingers.

While the 25-year-old Inu was contracted until the end of 2013, the Warriors wouldn’t stand in his way and had agreed to let him go now, Scurrah said on Thursday.

Despite playing in two of the past three grand finals – with Parramatta in 2009 and the Warriors last season – the talented New Zealand international has struggled in the top grade.

He has spent much of this season playing with the Warriors’ feeder club the Auckland Vulcans.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler welcomed the Inu signing.

“The Bulldogs are excited to have a player of Krisnan Inu’s pedigree at the club,” Hasler said.

“Krisnan is an international player and his arrival comes off the back of an horrific run of injuries in our outside backs.

“We certainly think Krisnan’s arrival will help fill that void.”

Inu said he was looking forward to joining the Bulldogs.

“It’s come about sooner than expected due to circumstances and everything has happened quickly over the last couple of days but I’m thankful for the opportunity,” he said.

“I appreciate what the Warriors have done in letting me go now, giving me the chance to play NRL.

“I want to thank everyone at the club for what they’ve done for me. I’ve enjoyed my time here.”

The Bulldogs meet the Roosters at Allianz Stadium in round 12 NRL action and if Inu is a late inclusion for the visitors it will be his 100th NRL game.