NRL: Lowrie puts family first with move to Brisbane

Warriors Todd Lowrie. Photo / Richard Robinson

Todd Lowrie put his family before his NRL career and asked for a release from the Warriors on compassionate grounds without any guarantees he would play professionally again.

The 30-year-old back-rower was granted a release halfway through his two-year deal with the Warriors and has been in talks with the Brisbane Broncos.

It's understood he would have relocated to Brisbane, even if a deal with the Broncos didn't eventuate.

"It's really sad to be leaving so soon but family is the only consideration for us at the moment," Lowrie said.

The club said they fully supported Lowrie's need to relocate immediately.

"This is a case where family comes first for Todd, Sally and their young family," Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said.

"I would be delighted for him if he elects to play on and Brisbane made him an offer because he deserves one. There was an absolute desire for us to retain Todd."

The club had been on the lookout for outside backs and hard-working back-rowers with size and Lowrie's departure opens up more room in the salary cap.

Last week prop Russell Packer was released to join Newcastle on a four-year deal and speculation continues around the future of Kevin Locke after the capture of England fullback Sam Tomkins - although it looks likely Locke will stay at the club. They are also weighing up whether to offer Jerome Ropati a new deal.