UNWANTED Brisbane Roar fullback Jerome Polenz is set to part ways with the three-time A-League champions despite having a year left on his contract.

Polenz was a notable absentee from the Roar’s first pre-season training session at Griffith University’s Nathan campus on Monday.

The German fullback is not a required player at the Roar, having played just 75 minutes of A-League football last season.

The former Western Sydney Wanderers defender is in talks with Roar managing director Daniel Cobb about leaving, with his departure to free up a valuable visa player spot in the Brisbane squad.

However, Polenz will want financial compensation, which will eat into the Roar’s salary cap.

While Polenz was absent on Monday, another ex-Wanderer ¬ midfielder Jacob Pepper – trained with his new teammates for the first-time after signing a one-year Roar contract.

“For such a young player, he has incredible experience,” Roar coach said of the 24-year-old Pepper, who has made 85 A-League appearances.

media_camera New Roar signing Jacob Pepper. First Brisbane Roar training for the season. Pic Tim Marsden

“He’s versatile as well ... he’s a fit boy and speaking to people that have worked with him, they say he’s a great kid, and that’s important too, so he’ll fit in very easily with this group.”

Star striker Jamie Maclaren, who in May made his Socceroos debut, also trained, with Aloisi saying the lethal marksman wasn’t going anywhere despite reported European interest in him.

“I want Jamie to re-sign with us,” Aloisi said of the former Perth Glory forward, who is contracted to Brisbane for another season.

media_camera Jerome Polenz is set to leave the Roar.

“We haven’t started talks about a new deal yet, but we will soon.”

The Roar’s FFA Cup campaign begins at Ballymore on August 10 against Perth Glory, with Aloisi stressing that while he wanted to win, the priority was having his team primed for their A-League opener against Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium on October 7.

“The FFA Cup game is important but it’s still pre-season. We’re not going to be at our peak, because … we have to get ready for the start of the season … and the start of the season’s in October against Victory here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Melbourne City will spend a week of their pre-season in Townsville, playing trials against Northern Fury (September 7) and Wellington Phoenix (September 11).