NRL: Warriors release Kemp

New Zealand Warriors winger Denan Kemp is returning to Australia after asking the club for a release from the second year of his National Rugby League contract.

Kemp, 22, who signed from the Brisbane Broncos last year, thanked the club for supporting his request following a disappointing season in which he failed to produce his best form.

"While I haven't played as much NRL football as either the club or I would have liked, I have still enjoyed myself here," he said in a statement.

"But in the end I really wanted the chance to go back home to try to establish myself."

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said Kemp had been released with the club's best wishes.

"We wish the season had worked out differently but we thank him for his efforts both on and off the field during the time he has been with us and wish him luck for the future."

Kemp made 10 NRL appearances for the Warriors, scoring a try and kicking 21 goals for a total of 46 points. He played in nine of the club's first 10 games but was then unwanted aside from a match against the Broncos on July 3.

He also appeared for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup this season.

Meanwhile, the Broncos say they are open to the idea of welcoming back Kemp, who scored 20 tries in 28 appearances in 2008.

"If Denan or his manager approached the club about the possibility of coming back to the Broncos, then the club would be more than happy to have a talk to them about it," Broncos football manager Peter Nolan said.

- NZPA