Six months ago the Newcastle Knights knocked back Danny Levi’s request for a release, and if requested again, they are unlikely to object.

Levi, 22, has made 66 NRL appearances for the Knights, as well as four Test for New Zealand in last year’s World Cup, and still has two more years left to run on his contract.

There’s speculation brewing Levi could be tempted to join a rival team in the likes of the Wests Tigers or Parramatta in order to make a fresh start.

Knights player-list manager Troy Pezet told the Newcastle Herald on Monday said there has been no official approach from Levi or his team but the clubs stance has somewhat softened.

“If he came to us and wanted permission to negotiate [with other clubs], we would probably look favourably on that, I would think,” Pezet said.