Joseph Leilua could make a shock switch to Canterbury after being told he is free to leave Canberra despite having another year on his contract.

Leilua and three-quarter partner Jordan Rapana have been an integral part of the Green Machine in recent seasons, but their "Leipana" partnership is set to end. Rapana will return to rugby with Japanese franchise Panasonic Wild Knights, but he is open to it being a short stint that will allow him to return to the NRL.

Joseph Leilua is set to leave the nation's capital. Credit:AAP

Leilua is also set to depart the nation's capital as the club attempts to free up salary space in a bid to retain the nucleus of the side that made the grand final. The Bulldogs are prepared to table a deal of about $500,000 a season for up to three years in order to lure him to Belmore.

Leilua conceded he may have played his last game for the Raiders.