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Experienced utility Nathan Fien has been granted permission by the New Zealand Warriors to approach other clubs before coming off contract at the end of the 2009 National Rugby League (NRL) season.
Fien, who has made 86 appearances for the Warriors since joining the club in 2005, said he wanted to investigate continuing his career at another club.
"I'm really happy in Auckland and so is my family but this is the way football business goes," he said.
"I've been told I'm not a part of the plans at the Warriors after 2009.
"With that in mind, I've asked whether I can have a look at the market and that if something comes up, the club would look at a release."
Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said Fien, who turns 29 on August 1, remained part of the club's planned NRL roster next year.
"Nathan has given the club fantastic service," he said.
"But we've let him know well in advance that, at this stage, he doesn't feature in our plans for 2010 and beyond.
"We thought it was only fair to give him an honest view of how we see things as early as possible so it gives him plenty of time to secure a long-term future."
Scurrah said the club wanted Fien to see out his contract.
Fien will again line up for the Warriors at standoff against Melbourne in Auckland on Sunday, a game that will take his NRL career tally to 178 appearances.
Meanwhile, Melbourne fullback Billy Slater will only miss the game against the Warriors after successfully having his contrary conduct charge downgraded at the NRL Judiciary last night.
- NZPA, AAP
