English-born Morgan Gannon will return home to the Super League despite inking a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors last year.
The second row forward left the Leeds Rhinos to pursue an opportunity in the NRL, but has only been limited to one game in the competition this year, making his club debut in Round 3 for the Warriors.
A trip back to the Northern Hemisphere is on the cards, with the Warriors confirming Gannon has requested to return to England on personal circumstances.
Following his Rhinos debut at 17, Gannon has notched up 73 appearances for the club, scoring 14 times, catching the eye of Warriors recruitment who poached him to New Zealand.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George says he supports his decision and is excited to see him finish the year strongly.
“It's a tough decision for Morgan but he has our support,” he said in a statement.
“We appreciate having him with us and look forward to him finishing the year strongly.”
Gannon turned down a hefty extension with the Rhinos to test himself in the NRL landscape.
With Perth Bears securing the services of James McDonnell, a second row position is now vacant at his former club, opening the door for a return.
Love Rugby League has reported that the Castleford Tigers, Hull FC, Hull KR and Leigh Leopards are all other candidates who are seeking backrowers to join them.
Morgan is the son of former Balmain Tigers player Jim Gannon, who spent time playing under Warriors coach Andrew Webster when he was at Hull KR, suggesting their relationship played a role in getting him over to New Zealand for 2026.
Jim played for 15 years at the top level over in England in the front row position, playing over 350 professional games mainly at Halifax and the Huddersfield Giants.
