Rugby League: Mason Lino on the tough call the leave the Warriors

Mason Lino is leaving the Warriors to join the Knights. Photosport

Mason Lino knows all about challenges and is prepared to fight for an opportunity to play first grade at his new club Newcastle.

The 24-year-old half has been granted a release from the final year of his Warriors contract to take up a two-year deal with the Knights.

The Samoan international leaves reluctantly after the Warriors neglected to offer him an extension beyond next season.

After debuting back in 2015, Lino grew in confidence and proved his worth as an NRL player this season, scoring three tries in eight appearances for the Stephen Kearney coached side.

But with his path to regular game time blocked by first-choice halves Shaun Johnson and Blake Green, Lino believes the move to Australia is necessary if he is to fulfil his potential.

"I was hoping the Warriors could give me another year but unfortunately they couldn't," said Lino.

"But I can't do anything about that. It's just a business and that's how I'm looking at it.

"It came down to finding somewhere I could further my career and where I can get the best opportunity to play first grade.

"I really thought I played alright this year and I wanted to challenge myself more so I'm thankful that the Knights came through and have given me an opportunity."

Lino knows he faces a similarly tough battle to win a spot in the halves at Newcastle but remains unfazed by the challenge.

Former Sydney Roosters premiership winner Mitchell Pearce owns the Knights' No 7 jersey and the mail is strong that coach Nathan Brown is keen to shift young gun Kalyn Ponga closer to the action at five-eighth.

"It might be similar there but the reason I'm going is more for the longevity of my career so to get two years there is safer," he said.

"[Brown] gave it to me straight-up about what's happening with the Knights and where he sees me.

"He told me I've just got to train hard and see where it goes and that's what I've been doing at the Warriors.

"I've just got to go over there and work hard and try to repay their faith. Whatever situation I get put in I will make sure I work hard and put my best foot forward."

Having come through the Warriors junior system and debuted for the club's NYC under 20s side in 2012, Lino is sad to be leaving his close mates and family.

As well as 17 first grade matches, the goal-kicking sharp-shooter also played 65 games and scored more than 400 points in for the club's Intrust Super Premiership side.

He and his partner will relocate together and he will also transfer his papers to Newcastle University as the aspiring accountant looks to finish a Bachelor of Business.

"I feel pretty good. Obviously I'm a bit nervous. I'm a bit of a mummy's boy. Everything at home is done for me with my mum and dad and that will be the biggest one.

"But Newcastle's welfare manager has already been a massive help with all the things I need to do like set up a bank account, tax number, and Medicare. They've been great.

"Leaving all the boys, I've come to terms with it and I'll stay close with them. Mostly I'll miss my parents and little sisters."