Warriors veteran centre Adam Pompey granted early release to join Australian NRL club

Veteran centre Adam Pompey has been granted an early release from his contract with the NZ Warriors.

The Auckland-based NRL club announced the 28-year-old will depart for Australia after eight seasons with them.

While the Warriors did not confirm which club Pompey was moving to, Fox Sports reported he was expected to sign with the Melbourne Storm.

Pompey made 136 NRL appearances for the Warriors since his debut in 2019, scoring 288 points – including 39 tries and 66 goals.

“Adam has performed consistently for us since his arrival in 2019,” Warriors general manager Andrew McFadden said.

“We appreciate the contribution he has made in his time here and wish him and his family the very best for what lies ahead for them in Australia.”

Barnett will leave in exchange for outside back Grant Anderson.

Earlier this year, the Warriors announced the signing of Storm winger Will Warbrick on a three-year contract.

Warbrick ruptured Achilles tendon against Sydney Roosters in July.