Knights 2 year deal apparentely
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/leagu...o-leaves-warriors-for-twoyear-deal-at-knights
Mason Lino's time with the Warriors is over, with the halfback agreeing terms with the Knights, while Bunty Afoa has signed a contract extension and Nathan Cayless has joined the club.
It is believed Lino will sign a two-year deal with the Newcastle based club.
Lino was contracted to the club for 2019, but the Warriors wouldn't guarantee him anything beyond that, so allowed him to look elsewhere.
Knights coach Nathan Brown, like most people has admired how Lino performed this year when filling in for either Blake Green and Shaun Johnson and were willing to offer him a longer term contract.
READ MORE
*
RTS ruled out of Kiwis tests
*
Warriors in review: Smith
*
Mason Lino linked with Newcastle Knights
Lino, has served as a hard working understudy at the Warriors since making his debut for the Warriors in 2015 and what has made him such an attractive player to have on the Warriors' books is that he's a low maintenance type of person, who wouldn't kick up a fuss about playing for the reserve grade team.
However, the Warriors are looking elsewhere for the future and it's likely they will sign another player in the halves or look for the promising Chanel Harris-Tavita to make the next step up.
"It's not an easy decision to let Mason go because he is the epitome of a true club man and we all love having him around," Warriors general manager football Brian Smith said.
"He has been totally dedicated to the Vodafone Warriors but we didn't want to stand in the way of him having a look at options with other clubs.
"His opportunities for NRL football have been limited here and he has more than earned the right to look at the chance of more regular exposure.
"While we're sorry to see Mason go we're also excited for him and wish him all the best."
Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney said Lino had demonstrated the values the club stood for.
"Mason has always provided a wonderful example to everyone at the club," he said.
"He has been totally loyal and supportive in all he does. When we needed him he came into the side and did a really good job for us every time.
"He certainly goes with our blessing and leaves a tremendous legacy."
It is understood that Afoa has signed an upgraded contract with the Warriors to commit his future at the club long-term.
Afoa was an ever present player in the Warriors this season and although he was still under contract with the club, the management wanted to secure the prop's future.
Meanwhile, Kiwis 2008 World Cup winning captain Cayless will join the Warriors next year as the coach of the team's reserve grade ISP team next season.
Cayless will work as an assistant coach for the Kiwis' test against Australia on October 13 and then move onto the Warriors.
Cayless replaces John Teina, who was the reserve grade coach for 2018
