Penrith Panthers legend Ryan Girdler says Dallin Watene-Zelezniak's request for an immediate release is indicative of the turmoil the club is going through after a shocking start to the 2019 season.
Watene-Zelezniak, who is well respected within the Panthers set-up and around rugby league more generally, asked for permission to look at other clubs this week.
Penrith, which recently parted ways with boss Phil Gould, granted him that request on Wednesday.
Sitting dead last on the ladder after just two wins from 10 games to start the season, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary dropped DWZ from first grade, and the 23-year-old wasn't even selected for reserve grade this weekend.
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Speaking on Triple M Sydney's Moonman in the Morning on Thursday, Girdler said the situation sums up where the Panthers are at the moment.
"He wants out of the joint and it just goes to show where they are at the moment the Panthers," he said.
"They're more worried about themselves than about the club.
"The place is just a mess."
Girdler said DWZ wants to leave the club after not getting enough game time at fullback.
Against the Warriors last weekend, Watene-Zelezniak played on the right wing, with Dylan Edwards in the number one jersey.
In a poor performance across the board, Edwards and DWZ combined for the lowlight of the night when they collided while both attempting to take a last tackle kick.
"The puzzles continue to unfold out there at Penrith don't they," Girdler said.
"He (Watene-Zelezniak) was a guy that represented his country and captained his country at the back end of last season.
"Rumour has it that he wanted to play fullback and he came into the side and played a lot of wing in the past.
"He's unhappy out there. They gave him the chance to play a little bit of fullback and a little bit of centre this year, but his mind seems to be on something else and he hasn't been playing well."
Penrith are $2.85 outsiders against the eighth placed Eels this weekend.
The sides met in round one, with Parra earning a 20-12 win in Penrith.
Girdler says things are so dire at the foot of the mountains, that Penrith fans should go just to experience the new Bankwest Stadium.
"They'll be tough to beat out there," he said of the Eels.
"To all the (Panthers) fans, I know they're doing it tough right now, but if you get a chance, go out - just for the experience - because it's an amazing facility.
"The result won't go our way, but it's certainly worth going and checking out the stadium."
