Premiership-winning hooker Apisai Koroisau has been released from the final year of his Penrith contract to take up a three-year deal with NRL rivals Manly.

Penrith said they would not stand in the way of the club’s back-up No.9 shoring up his long-term future with another club.

After playing in South Sydney’s grand-final win last season, Koroisau moved to Penrith this year on a two-year contract.

He has been stuck behind first-choice rake James Segeyaro at Penrith and, at Manly, he will be down the pecking order behind veteran Matt Ballin, who is off-contract at the end of 2017.

“Api has been given an opportunity to secure his future and he leaves with our blessings,” Panthers general manager Phil Gould said.

“He has been wonderful for our club in the short time he has been here, and I know he will continue to give us great service for the rest of the season.

“With James Segeyaro also at the Panthers, it is only fair that we give Api the opportunity to secure a regular starting position with another NRL club.”