NEWCASTLE could release departing centre Joey Leilua as early as Friday despite a potential deal with the Canberra Raiders to trade him for prop David Shillington now appearing unlikely.

It is understood the two clubs have been in secret negotiations over a swap deal but have not been able to reach an agreement with the Knights believed to be hesitant in signing 31 year old Shillington to an extended contract because of his age.

“It’s unlikely,” one source told The Daily Telegraph when asked about the possible deal still going ahead.

But it appears Leilua’s time in Newcastle is all but up irrespective. And he still seems certain to link with the Raiders.

The Knights and Leilua have seemingly been on a collision course ever since the Samoan international announced several weeks ago he would exercise a get-out clause in his contract to leave at the end of the season even though he had a year left on his contract.

At the time, Knights coach Rick Stone said his centre would not be released early and would be retained until the end of the year. But that scenario now appears increasing unlikely.

There is a feeling in the Knights camp it is pointless to keep selecting a player who does not want to be at the club when there are youngsters such as Jake Mamo and Chanel Mata’utia who have been outstanding in NSW Cup who have been waiting in the wings for an opportunity.

Leilua has made it pretty clear he has wanted out of the Knights ever since his commitment and attitude was questioned by Stone during the pre-season.

Stone could not be contacted yesterday and Knights CEO Matt Gidley did not want to comment ahead of a strategic planning day involving the club’s board of directors on Friday.

“We’ll be discussing all our recruitment and retention plans among a raft of other things with the board [on Friday],” Gidley said.

“I’d rather not comment on individuals until after our meetings.”