South Sydney Rabbitohs' decision to release Dylan Walker early from his contract is a "disgrace" according to the NRL player's barrister.

According to the club, Walker requested to leave early in order to take up an extended deal with another NRL side - thought to be Manly Sea Eagles - but his legal team have suggested he was sacked.

Walker was in the news in September having been treated in hospital for a painkiller overdose following surgery on his left hand.

A club investigation into the incident ruled on Thursday that illicit substances or alcohol did not cause his hospitalisation, but deemed the 21-year-old had taken additional medication, leading to a five per cent fine of his contract value.

Walker was then granted the release from his contract, but his barrister Julianne Levick hit out at her client's treatment and suggested the player had been "used and abused".

"The decision is a disgrace, seemingly the club don't accept any responsibility for what's gone on in a rollercoaster 2015 season for this kid," she is quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Walker's been sucked in, chewed up and well and truly spat out. Used and abused.

"This is such an unsatisfactory outcome on any view, particularly considering how this kid has been treated like a piece of meat in the face of serious injury throughout the 2015 season."

Walker's departure could have further implications at the Rabbitohs as they reportedly look to offload members of their squad to remain within the salary cap after re-signing Sam Burgess.