Penrith winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is reportedly set to move to Wests Tigers and link up with New Zealand coach Michael Maguire.

According to journalist Phil Rothfield, Watene-Zelezniak could move to the Tigers as early as Wednesday, with the Panthers a chance to receive a player on return.

“I got a phone call this morning about the future of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who of course hasn’t been picked for a couple of weeks at the Panthers,” Rothfield told the Daily Telegraph's Monday Bunker.

“I am told he will be at the Wests Tigers this week and the deal could be as close as 48 hours away.

“He wants to go there and Michael Maguire wants him to go there. Ivan Cleary wants him to go there because he doesn’t want him on the books.

“What they have got to do now is work on a player swap or a transfer.

“I don’t think I am breaking news that Russell Packer has got issues at the Tigers and Ben Matulino they are trying to offload and also Elijah Taylor.

“Whether Penrith want any of those three I am not too sure, but that conversation is taking place and I believe the two coaches and recruitment guys are talking this over.

“But the New Zealand captain from last year who is unwanted at the Panthers will play for the Wests Tigers.”

Watene-Zelezniak has played 106 games for the Panthers since debuting for the club in 2014.

19 COMMENTS

  1. Cleary signed Packer, J Reynolds and Elijah Taylor to long term deals that are duds….swap those 3 for DWZ, Hetherington and $$$$….do it!

  2. I hope DWZ gets to play some minutes at fullback. He was great there for the kiwis with Madge. But Moses is currently fullback. Maybe once Benji retires, Moses goes back to 6 and DWZ to fullback.

  5. Ah well Panthers18, good to see SuperCoach is doing an amazing job. Maybe he should be demoted too. I think your being a little bitter here towards DWZ and from my understanding when your dropped from all grades then your well within your rights to ask for a release. Pretty sure this all started when Penrith starting shopping him around….Can’t blame the bloke to be honest

  6. Bitter? Don’t think so. It is a bit of a coincidence that he was dropped due to poor form, and suddenly he had a dummy spit. So it is always the clubs fault.

  7. Dropped for poor form??? Ha that’s a laugh. He was dropped for selection from all grades. That’s the club putting the squeeze on the player to move on AFTER the club instigated permission to negotiate elsewhere whilst he was under contract

  8. Look at his games before this hit the fan? He was poor. He was dropped, and it appears he had a dummy spit. Have a nice evening.

  9. Typical Panthers girl, don’t let the truth get in the way of some friendly chatter about the poor little pennies

  10. The last thing, none of us are in the inner circle, so we both could be wrong. That is obviously lost on you.

  12. He was being dropped for poor form . He was not really putting in much effort as he wanted to be fullback & thought he should get that position.
    The being dropped was the last straw for him & then he wanted a release.
    The asking for a release was the reason he wasn’t picked in any grade.
    When your being paid to play & are in first grade, you should play wherever it’s best for the team. Not hold your breath until you get your own way.
    As for Hetherington. Don’t St.George have enough just big forwards who run hard? Their lower grade is packed with them. Maybe to many of that type , that don’t have a lot of other skills?
    Martin is not a huge player. In six first grade games has shown he’s got more skill & heart than many much bigger forwards.

  13. No offence Kev/ 2041, but Penrith hopefully wouldn’t want any of those three dills!
    They got rid of Taylor. Not because he doesn’t try hard & tackle a lot. Lacks some attacking, try scoring ability though.
    If they are going to get anyone from Wests? Wouldn’t they be better off looking at some younger, decent backs? Or a Hooker?
    However, looking at how most players from Penrith just go straight into first grade at Wests ( or Patramatta ), I wonder what talented backs they may have?
    Make them take Malakai as well!!!
    Also, interesting that the defence improved for two games ,when DWZ & MWZ were dropped.

  16. Just f*#k off already Dalin!!!
    You expected the club to grovel at your feet when you asked for a release and now it’s backfired…. the club doesn’t want you anymore…… why??? Because your an ungreatful lil s*#t!!
    The club gave you everything and helped you become the player you are today…… sure you put in the hard work and fought tooth and nail to get where you are today, but along the way you have forgotten that this game is a team sport….. there is no “I” in team…… you play where you can help the team not where you think it’s your god given right!!!!!
    I’ve said a few times already…… these players in the modern game get paid way too much and get way too much freedom that they think they can act and do wat ever they like……
    It should be an honur and privileged to put on NRL jersey and represent your club AND GET PAID TO DO IT!!! Unfortunately players like Dalin have forgotten those privileges.

  19. Spot on!
    Get paid to play. Play where you’re told & do your best in that position. If you can’t manage that, than move on.
    It’s not like he’s the best , fastest back around . Just ask Xerri…

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