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.

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.