Berrigan believes Warriors have the goods
Queenslander Shaun Berrigan revealed he linked with the Warriors for his NRL homecoming because he sees them as a realistic premiership threat.
The 2006 Clive Churchill medal winner signed a one-year deal with the club last week after gaining a release from English club Hull FC, and should prove a pivotal acquisition.
Berrigan was named in a list of the Brisbane Broncos best 20 players for their first 20 years and ranks as one of the most gifted all-rounders to have played in the NRL.
The 32-year-old is proficient at hooker, centre and in the halves, and his experience and tenacity will be a major boost for the potentially brilliant, but often inconsistent Warriors.
Despite being knocked out in the first week of the finals last year, Ivan Cleary's side made some major strides in 2010.
They became better at playing away from home, and they've developed exciting young talent across the park.
Cleary swooped to sign Berrigan once it became known the former Test star wanted to return to the southern hemisphere to be closer to his mother and family, who are based in south east Queensland.
Berrigan opted for Auckland ahead of interest from his home state and is confident he can repay his new coach's faith by helping guide the Warriors to a maiden grand final win.
"I spoke to Ivan, he was keen to get me over here," said Berrigan.
"The Warriors are a top-eight team and I thought they'd be the best match for me.
"The Warriors are a good up and coming side and across the board they've got a good young bunch of kids.
"The Warriors 10 years ago, people used to say you can get them in the last 10 minutes of matches. But these boys are very fit and very fast so it's exciting to be a part of."
Berrigan was also one of the game's fittest players when he departed for Hull FC at the end of 2007, and maintained his good condition in the Super League with a view to one day returning to the NRL.
As injuries inevitably play a part in long campaigns, Berrigan's versatility will be an asset for the Warriors.
Hooker is considered to be his best position, and it's likely he'll either start the season in the No.9 shirt or relieve Aaron Heremaia from the bench.
Berrigan said he's not worried about where he fits in.
"I've been moved around my whole career. I'm just one of those guys who loves playing rugby league and I'm happy anywhere the coach puts me," he said.
"Even being a kid I don't remember ever asking to play in a position. You just play in the position the coach puts you in, that's the way I've been brought up."
good boy...
