Warriors signings, contract extensions thread

[Martli]

Source?

 

[Dr Crane]

warriors facebook (!!) confirms matulino extending to 2013, and ta'ai signing for next year with a 2012 option.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Auckland/Vodafone-Warriors/122894684421600

 

[ozbash]

and Ukuma Ta'ai

Promising young forwards Ben Matulino and Ukuma Ta’ai have committed to the Vodafone Warriors after signing new contracts.
Chief executive Wayne Scurrah today confirmed Matulino (21), who was off contract at the end of the 2011 season, has agreed to a two-year extension which will see him stay with the club until the end of the 2013 NRL season.
Ta’ai (23), who was off contract at the end of this season, has signed a new deal for 2011 while the club has an option on him for 2012.


warriors media

 

[One Warrior]

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/nrl/news/article/-/7693704/warriors-youngsters-sign-new-contracts


Warriors youngsters sign new contracts
Yahoo!Xtra Sport - August 3, 2010, 4:00 pm
Warriors youngsters sign new contracts Getty Images ©

Promising young forwards Ben Matulino and Ukuma Ta'ai have committed to the Vodafone Warriors after signing new contracts.

Chief executive Wayne Scurrah today confirmed Matulino (21), who was off contract at the end of the 2011 season, has agreed to a two-year extension which will see him stay with the club until the end of the 2013 NRL season.

Ta'ai (23), who was off contract at the end of this season, has signed a new deal for 2011 while the club has an option on him for 2012.

Warriors head coach Ivan Cleary said Matulino and Ta'ai had impressed with their progress this season.

"They've both become more established as NRL players and are showing the benefits of having more experience in the competition," he said.

"Ben is still a young man but has already played more than 50 NRL matches and played Test football for the Kiwis. He has been a really solid performer for us this season.

"Ukuma has also shown a lot of improvement since making his debut at this level last year. He's a player who is a real threat to opposition defences and one who has the potential to become a lot better yet."

Matulino is one of only three players who has appeared in each of the Warriors' 19 matches so far this season while Ta'ai has played 14 times.

Meanwhile, Scurrah said the Warriors had withdrawn from negotiations to sign Manly centre Steve Matai.
"We were keen to bring Steve to the Warriors but throughout the process he has indicated it is his preference to stay with Manly if it was possible," he said.

"We haven't heard from his manager since making our final offer and have now withdrawn it."

So far the Vodafone Warriors have made three new signings for 2011 in Paramatta pair Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu plus former Junior Warrior Steve Rapira, who is returning home after two years with North Queensland.

BEN MATULINO
Born: January 3, 1989
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand
Position: Second row/prop
Height: 193cm
Weight: 106kg
Junior Club: Te Aroha Eels (Wellington)
Club Number: 142
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v Cronulla, Toyota Stadium, Sydney, June 14,
2008 (Round 14)
NRL Career: 52 appearances 2008-2010
NRL Points: 8 (2 tries)
Other Clubs: Wellington Orcas (Bartercard Cup), Randwick Kingfishers (Wellington)

Representative: Three Tests for Kiwis 2009-2010, Junior Kiwis 2006, New Zealand Under-18 2007

UKUMA TA'AI
Born: January 17, 1987
Birthplace: Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Position: Second row
Height: 187cm
Weight: 106kg
Junior Club: Mt Albert Lions (Auckland)
Club Number: 149
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v Manly, Brookvale Oval, Manly, March 22, 2009 (Round 2)
NRL Career: 24 appearances 2009-2010
NRL Points: 24 points (6 tries)
Other Clubs: Auckland Vulcans (New South Wales Cup)
Representative: Three Tests for Tonga 2010, Tongan rugby union international

 

[One Warrior]

Lillyman re-signs until of 2011.

New Zealand Warriors forward Jacob Lillyman has agreed to a one-year extension with the National Rugby League club.
Former Queensland State of Origin second rower Lillyman said he was relieved to secure his future beyond this year.
"That's not weighing on my mind now, not that it really was, but it's good I can just go out and play footy now," he told TVNZ.
Lillyman signed with the Warriors from North Queensland in 2008 but has been plagued by injury this year.
He said he wanted to repay the club for its faith in him.
"I haven't really hit my straps with this club yet and it's good I've got another year to do that," he said.
"If I had have left after this year I would've felt a bit dirty that I hadn't shown what I can do, having not played to the best of my ability.
"I've spent a lot of time on the sideline this year but I'm back now and jumping out of my skin."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/4037333/Jacob-Lillyman-re-signs-with-NZ-Warriors

 

[One Warrior]

Vatuvei contract extension boost for Vodafone Warriors
Giant winger Manu Vatuvei is set to become one of a select group of players to clock up 10 seasons of NRL football with the Vodafone Warriors after he confirmed today that he would remain with the club until at least the end of the 2013 NRL season.

The 24-year-old, who has already scored 75 tries in 110 appearances since his debut in 2004, was off contract next year but has reached agreement for a two-year extension.
Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah today hailed the announcement as one of the most important in the club’s history.
“Manu has become one of New Zealand sport’s biggest names and an absolute superstar in the NRL,” he said.
“While there was plenty of conjecture about Manu’s future and a lot of interest in him, our priority was to do all we could to keep Manu here. He means so much to this club, to our season members and everyone else who follows the Vodafone Warriors.
“We couldn’t be happier that he’s remaining a Vodafone Warrior for three more seasons after this and hopefully there’s more to follow after that. While he’s already in his seventh season as an NRL player he’ll still be only 27 when this contract finishes.
“We greatly appreciate the desire of both Manu and his agent Peter Brown to work with us on extending the agreement and are delighted for all concerned. They have been a pleasure to deal with.”
Vatuvei, who needs only two more tries to equal Stacey Jones’ all-time club record of 77 tries, said his desire was always to remain a Vodafone Warrior.
“I never saw myself being anywhere else but in Auckland and with the Vodafone Warriors,” he said.
“This is where I always wanted to be. It’s where I belong. Most of all, it’s where my family wants to be. If they’re happy here then so am I.
“I could have taken up another offer overseas but I really couldn’t see that happening.
“It’s through rugby league and the Vodafone Warriors that I’ve been able to make something of my life and I hope I can go a lot further still. I want to do all I can to help us become a consistent force in the NRL.”
Vodafone Warriors head coach Ivan Cleary said Vatuvei’s new contract was a cause for real celebration.
“Players of his quality don’t come along very often but Manu’s more than a great player, he’s also a great person,” he said.
“We’ve always held Manu in the highest regard. He certainly means a lot to our club and our team. He might be a winger but, as a player, he’s as important to us as any playmaker is to any other side. That’s the true measure of the influence he has.”
A 17-Test Kiwi international and World Cup winner with the Kiwis in 2008, Vatuvei has been in a rich vein of form in the second half of his career. He is having his most prolific season with 17 tries in 16 matches so far following 13 in 19 games last year and 16 in 17 in 2008 – a total of 46 tries in his last 52 NRL games.

MANU VATUVEI

Born: March 4, 1986
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Position: Wing
Height:189cm
Weight:112kg
Junior Club: Otara Scorpions (Auckland)
Other Clubs: Otahuhu Ellerslie (Bartercard Cup), Otahuhu (Auckland)
Vodafone Warriors No: 115
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v South Sydney, Aussie Stadium, May 23, 2004 (Round 11)
NRL Career: 110 appearances for Vodafone Warriors, 2004-2010
NRL Points: 300 (75 tries)
Kiwi No: 720
Test Debut: v Australia, Sydney, October 15, 2005 (Tri Nations)
Test Career: 17 Tests for Kiwis 2005-2010
Test Points: 44 (11 tries)
Other Teams: All Golds 2008
Educated: Sir Edmund Hillary College (Auckland)


Vatuvei contract extension boost for Vodafone Warriors by on 24/08/2010 // http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/691/Vatuvei-contract-extension-boost-for-Vodafone-Warriors

 

[Taniwha]

Its mentioned in the Sharks forum we've signed Paul Gallens younger brother Peter. I cant get the link to work so i cant confirm it, but we're on to a real winner here if it turns out to be true!

 

[Martli]

I had a look and it looks like the story might have been taken down (if it was ever up to begin with) as it's not on the Daily Telegraph's NRL page. I can't find anything else out there.

 

[Rich102]

This is the latest information I have.
Please let me know of any changes.

Contracts:.
Name: Age: Contracted to:
Lewis Brown 23 2012
James Gavet 20 2010
Aaron Heremaia 27 2010
Lance Hohaia 27 2011
Krisnan Inu 2013
Isaac John 21 2011
Shaun Johnson 19 2012
Jeremy Latimore 23 2011
Jacob Lillyman 26 2011
Kevin Locke 21 2011
Sione Lousi 20 2010
Micheal Luck 27 2012
James Maloney 23 2011
Simon Mannering 23 2012
Feleti Mateo 2013
Alehana Mara 20 2010
Ben Matulino 21 2013
Joel Moon 21 2011
Russell Packer 20 2012
Ivan Penehe 2011
Upu Poching 22 2010
Sam Rapira 23 2012
Steve Rapira 2012
Jerome Ropati 25 2012
Brett Seymour 25 2011
Ukuma Ta'ai 22 2011
Elijah Taylor 19 2010
Bill Tupou 19 2010
Manu Vatuvei 24 2013
as at 7/10/10
　

 

[Izz]

I'm fairly certain Heremaia's signed until 2011, but the only linkage i could find was this: http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=99936&cat=989&fm=newsmain,narts as well as this comment in an old TVNZ interview:

"I trained hard for three months and in January (2009) I had my weight down and I got the contract for the rest of the year."

The motivation to work hard has been rewarded again - a two-year deal, a starting role as dummy half in 2010 and then a Kiwis jersey that fits perfectly.

http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/debut-food-thought-heremaia-3528433

 

[Rich102]

Thanks Izz.
I will put him in for 2011, if anyone proves otherwise I will take him out again.

Contracts:2011 and beyond.
Name: Age: Contracted to:
Lewis Brown 23 2012
James Gavet 20 2010
Aaron Heremaia 27 2011
Lance Hohaia 27 2011
Krisnan Inu 2013
Isaac John 21 2011
Shaun Johnson 19 2012
Jeremy Latimore 23 2011
Jacob Lillyman 26 2011
Kevin Locke 21 2011
Sione Lousi 20 2010
Micheal Luck 27 2012
James Maloney 23 2011
Simon Mannering 23 2012
Feleti Mateo 2013
Alehana Mara 20 2010
Ben Matulino 21 2013
Joel Moon 21 2011
Russell Packer 20 2012
Ivan Penehe 2011
Upu Poching 22 2010
Sam Rapira 23 2012
Steve Rapira 2012
Jerome Ropati 25 2012
Brett Seymour 25 2011
Ukuma Ta'ai 22 2011
Elijah Taylor 19 2010
Bill Tupou 19 2010
Manu Vatuvei 24 2013

 

[Rich102]

Thanks Izz.
I will put him in for 2011, if anyone proves otherwise I will take him out again.

Contracts:2011 and beyond.
Name: Age: Contracted to:
Lewis Brown 23 2012
James Gavet 20 2010
Aaron Heremaia 27 2011
Lance Hohaia 27 2011
Krisnan Inu 2013
Isaac John 21 2011
Shaun Johnson 19 2012
Jeremy Latimore 23 2011
Jacob Lillyman 26 2011
Kevin Locke 21 2011
Sione Lousi 20 2010
Micheal Luck 27 2012
James Maloney 23 2011
Simon Mannering 23 2012
Feleti Mateo 2013
Alehana Mara 20 2010
Ben Matulino 21 2013
Joel Moon 21 2011
Russell Packer 20 2012
Ivan Penehe 2011
Upu Poching 22 2010
Sam Rapira 23 2012
Steve Rapira 2012
Jerome Ropati 25 2012
Brett Seymour 25 2011
Ukuma Ta'ai 22 2011
Elijah Taylor 19 2010
Bill Tupou 19 2010
Manu Vatuvei 24 2013

 

[Rich102]

Double post.

 

[One Warrior]

http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/780/Former-Kangaroo-Berrigan-joins-Vodafone-Warriors


Former Kangaroo Berrigan joins Vodafone Warriors
Talented former Australian and Queensland State of Origin utility Shaun Berrigan has been signed by the Vodafone Warriors for the 2011 NRL season with an option for 2012.

Berrigan was recently released from the last year of his contract with English Super League club Hull FC, enabling him to return to the NRL after ending his 186-game career with the Brisbane Broncos at the end of the 2007 NRL season.
He had sought a release following the death of his father Barry early last year so he could be closer to his mother and family.
“We were able to not only help Shaun in his desire to be closer to his family but to also give him the chance to return to the NRL,” said Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah.
“We’re thrilled to secure a player of Shaun’s quality, experience and versatility at this late stage.”
The much-decorated Berrigan (32) is able to play in the centres, the halves and hooker, positions he has previously filled at the highest level for the Kangaroos and Queensland.
He said he was grateful to Hull FC for granting him an early release.
“I have loved my time at Hull FC and leave with many happy memories and friendships,” he said.
“I want to move closer to my Mum and family and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them.
“I’m also excited about moving to Auckland to join the Vodafone Warriors and having another opportunity to play in the NRL.”
The Vodafone Warriors resumed training this week after a short Christmas-New Year break and are due to be joined by Berrigan next week. Among Berrigan’s new team-mates will be two players he is familiar with from his time with Brisbane – halfback Brett Seymour and centre Joel Moon.
Coach Ivan Cleary said Berrigan’s signing rounded out the Vodafone Warriors’ squad for their 2011 campaign.
“Shaun’s ability to play so many positions and the depth of his experience make him a great addition to our squad,” he said.
Berrigan played for the Broncos in their NRL grand final victories against the Sydney Roosters in 2000 and Melbourne in 2006, winning the Clive Churchill Medal as the man of the match in the victory against the Storm.
In his first season with Hull FC he appeared in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley and was named his new club’s player of the year.
Berrigan has played 14 Tests for Australia and 15 Origin games for the Maroons.
His total of 186 NRL appearances is topped only by vice-captain Micheal Luck’s 194 among the Vodafone Warriors’ 2011 squad members.

SHAUN BERRIGAN

Born: November 4, 1978
Birthplace: Brisbane, Australia
Position: Utility
Height: 178cm
Weight: 87kg
Junior Club: Wests-Mitchelton Juniors (Queensland)
Other Clubs: Brisbane Broncos 1999-2007, Hull FC 2008-2010
NRL Debut: Brisbane v Balmain, Leichhardt Oval, May 16, 1999 (Round 11)
NRL Career: 186 appearances for Brisbane 1999-2007
NRL Points: 308 (77 tries)
Super League Debut: Hull FC v Warrington, February 8, 2008
Super League Career: 74 appearances for Hull FC 2008-2010
Super League Points: 44 (11 tries)
Representative:14 Tests for Australia 2004-2007 (2 tries, 1 goal); 15 State of Origin appearances for Queensland 2002-2007 (2 tries)

 

[One Warrior]

Pita Godinet and Saulala Houma Have been signed for 2011.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10709115

 

[Rich102]

Name: Age: Contracted to:
Shaun Berrigan 2011
Lewis Brown 23 2012
James Gavet 20 2010
Pita Godinet 2011
Aaron Heremaia 27 2011
Lance Hohaia 27 2011
Saulala Houma 2011
Krisnan Inu 2013
Isaac John 21 2011
Shaun Johnson 19 2012
Jeremy Latimore 23 2011
Jacob Lillyman 26 2011
Kevin Locke 21 2011
Sione Lousi 20 2010
Micheal Luck 27 2012
James Maloney 23 2011
Simon Mannering 23 2012
Feleti Mateo 2013
Alehana Mara 20 2010
Ben Matulino 21 2013
Joel Moon 21 2011
Russell Packer 20 2012
Ivan Penehe 2011
Upu Poching 22 2010
Sam Rapira 23 2012
Steve Rapira 2012
Jerome Ropati 25 2012
Brett Seymour 25 2011
Ukuma Ta'ai 22 2011
Elijah Taylor 19 2010
Bill Tupou 19 2010
Manu Vatuvei 24 2013

 

[Rich102]

I see Gavet, Lousi, Mara, Poching, Taylor & Tupou are all listed as signed to 2010. I can't see any updates on the Warrior's site.
Anybody have any updated information?

 

[One Warrior]

Vodafone Warriors secure Lousi brothers
Talented twin towers Sione and Samiuela Lousi have set a goal to line up together in the NRL after signing new contracts to stay with the Vodafone Warriors for at least two more seasons.
Second rower Sione made his NRL debut as a 20-year-old last year while his sibling Sam (19), rated one of the club’s most exciting prospects, is tipped to join him in the near future.
Vodafone Warriors recruitment manager Dean Bell today confirmed Sione has been secured for the 2012 and 2013 seasons with an option for 2014 while Sam has been signed until the end of the 2013 season.
“It’s really exciting and also important for us to have Sione and Sam signed up,” said Bell.
“As players with real potential, they’re both great examples of the benefits of the development policy we are committed to at the Vodafone Warriors.
“Sione and Sam have been in our system for a while now and have prospered by coming through the pathway they have here in New Zealand.
“There was a lot of interest in them from other clubs but they both see their immediate futures here at the Vodafone Warriors.”
At 198cm, Sam Lousi is the tallest player on the Vodafone Warriors’ books and, at 118kg he’s also close to the heaviest while his older brother Sione, “only” 191cm and 106g, is hardly small. Lined up side by side, they make an imposing brotherly package.
Sione, who was in the club’s inaugural NYC squad in 2008, made 26 appearances for the Vodafone Junior Warriors before being upgraded to an NRL contract in 2010 after he turned 20. He impressed in last year’s trials, being rewarded with his NRL debut against Gold Coast in the opening round of the season.
He was again in eye-catching form in this year’s trials but has been sidelined since the final hit-out against Manly with a rib injury. He’s due to be available again soon.
“It’s great to have my contract sorted out. I love being at this club and living in Auckland with my family and friends here,” said Sione.
“I always wanted to play for the Vodafone Warriors in the first place and now I just want to give myself the chance to play a lot more in the NRL.
“It would also be good if Sam and I could get to play together in the NRL. That’s a big goal for us.”
Sam excelled for the Vodafone Junior Warriors’ NYC premiership-winning side last year, standing out with his exceptional off loading ability. His only try was in the grand final win against South Sydney before he went on to star for the Junior Kiwis against the Junior Kangaroos.
He’s equally keen to pair up with his brother on the field. They never played together in the NYC with Sione finishing up in the competition before Sam started with the Vodafone Junior Warriors last year. They also missed out teaming up in this year’s NRL trials; Sam was given his first run with the first-grade side against Burleigh in Whangarei last month but Sione wasn’t in the line-up that day.
“I’d love the chance to play with Sione in the NRL. That would mean a lot for both of us and for our family,” said Sam.
“The only time we’ve ever played together was at school. I’ve always been one step behind so it would mean everything if we get to play together for the Vodafone Warriors one day.”
In that sense, they share a common goal with the Rapira brothers Sam and Steve, who were on the field together during this year’s trials but are yet to play alongside each other in the NRL. So far three sets of brothers have made official first-grade appearances for the Vodafone Warriors and all also played together in the same side at some point in their time at the club – Tea and Iva Ropati, Jerry and Anthony Seuseu and Vinnie and Louis Anderson.
The Lousi boys, who have four sisters, have both come through the Bay Roskill and Richmond clubs in Auckland while they were also both educated at St Paul’s College, a prolific nursery for New Zealand rugby league talent with its graduates including Stacey Jones, Joe Vagana, Nigel Vagana, Jerome Ropati, Francis Meli and more from the modern era as well as former Kiwi captains Mark Graham and Dane O’Hara.

SIONE LOUSI

Born: October 8, 1989
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Position: Second row
Height:191cm
Weight:106g
Junior Clubs: Bay Roskill Vikings, Richmond Rovers
Club Number: 159
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v Gold Coast, Skilled Park, Robina, March 14, 2010 (Round 1)
NRL Career: 7 appearances 2010
NRL Points: 0
Representative:One Test for Tonga 2010

SAMIUELA LOUSI

Born: July 20, 1991
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Position: Prop/Second row
Height:198cm
Weight:118kg
Junior Clubs: Bay Roskill Vikings, Richmond Rovers
NRL: Yet to make debut
NYC Career: 20 appearances 2010-2011
NYC Points: 4 (1 try)
Representative:Junior Kiwis 2010


Vodafone Warriors secure Lousi brothers by on 26/03/2011 // http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/855/Vodafone-Warriors-secure-Lousi-brothers

 

[One Warrior]

Fisiiahi and Rapira secured by Vodafone Warriors

Exciting fullback Glen Fisiiahi has marked his return to the Vodafone Warriors’ NRL side by committing to a four-year contract keeping him at Mount Smart Stadium until the end of the 2015 season.

And in a double signing announcement the Vodafone Warriors have also confirmed they’ve not only taken up a one-year option on highly-respected veteran prop Sam Rapira but are also in discussions to extend his contract beyond 2012.
While at vastly different stages of their careers, Vodafone Warriors recruitment manager Dean Bell said Fisiiahi and Rapira are both key players in the club’s future plans.
“We see Glen having a long future with the club and we’re delighted to sign him for four years,” he said.
“Sam has proven himself as one of the best props in the game and he’s also important to us as one of our most experienced players as well as being a key member of our senior leadership group.”
After starring for the Vodafone Junior Warriors in their NYC premiership-winning campaign last year, the 20-year-old Fisiiahi was impressive throughout the Vodafone Warriors’ NRL trials programme last month. His form led to his NRL debut in the season-opening clash against Parramatta at Eden Park on March 12 but concussion and a shoulder injury sidelined him the following week.
He appeared for the Auckland Vulcans last weekend and was yesterday named to start at fullback in a much-changed Vodafone Warriors side to face Cronulla in Sunday’s fourth-round NRL encounter at Owen Delany Park in Taupo.
“It’s an exciting week for me having my future sorted out and also coming back into the NRL side to start at fullback this week,” said Fisiiahi.
“I’ve had an amazing couple of years at the Vodafone Warriors playing with the NYC side and now playing in the NRL. I couldn’t be happier and now I want to do all I can to improve all areas of my game and give myself a chance of playing in the NRL as much as possible.”
Fisiiahi, a Wesley College product, comes from a well-known rugby league family. His older twin brothers Paul and David, both try-scoring specialists, have been fixtures on the Auckland club scene as well as representing Tonga.
Glen Fisiiahi finished his NYC career with 22 tries in 29 appearances and grabbed five tries in the NRL trials last month including doubles against Newcastle and Parramatta.
Rapira doesn’t turn 24 until next month but has already played 105 NRL matches and 12 Tests for the Kiwis, including the 2008 World Cup final. He has told the club he wants to stay at Mount Smart Stadium and is in discussions about his future plans.
This season he has been joined in the Vodafone Warriors’ NRL squad by his younger brother Steve.
GLEN FISIIAHI
Born: December 2, 1990
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Position: Fullback/wing
Height: 181cm
Weight:85g
Junior Club: Ellerslie Eagles (Auckland)
Previous Clubs:Auckland Vulcans
Club Number: 163
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v Parramatta, Eden Park, March 12, 2011 (Round 1)
NRL Career: 1 appearance 2011
NRL Points: 0
Representative:Junior Kiwis 2010
SAM RAPIRA
Born: April 8, 1987
Birthplace: Hamilton, New Zealand
Position: Prop
Height:184cm
Weight:105kg
Junior Club: Hukanui (Waikato)
Other Clubs: Waicoa Bay Stallions (Bartercard Cup)
Club Number: 131
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v Wests Tigers, Ericsson Stadium, May 20, 2006 (Round 11)
NRL Career: 105 appearances 2006-2011
NRL Points: 40 (10 tries)
Test Debut: Kiwis v Australia, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, April 20, 2007 (Anzac Test)
Test Career: 12 Tests 2007-2010, World Cup winner 2008
Test Points: 0
Representative:New Zealand A 2006, New Zealand Residents 2005, Junior Kiwis 2004-2005




Fisiiahi and Rapira secured by Vodafone Warriors by on 29/03/2011 // http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/863/Fisiiahi-and-Rapira-secured-by-Vodafone-Warriors

 

[One Warrior]

Vodafone Warriors sign Vulcans centre Metcalf
Christchurch-raised Shaun Metcalf has become a fulltime rugby league player seven years after his teenage dreams of a professional career were shattered.

Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah today confirmed the 23-year-old Auckland Vulcans centre will link up with the club’s NRL squad from tomorrow after contracting him for the rest of the season with an option for next year.
“Because of Shaun’s form for the Auckland Vulcans we were looking to secure him on a part-time contract for the balance of 2011,” said Scurrah.
“But due to Jerome Ropati’s season-ending knee injury we decided to bring Shaun straight into the NRL squad on a full-time basis for the balance of the 2011 season, and with a club option for 2012.
“It’s a real tribute to Shaun that he has been able to reach this point in his life after the dark days he has endured.
“We’ve watched his progress and admired the way he has worked so hard to put his life back on track, and how he never lost sight of his dream of playing rugby league fulltime.
“For him to come back from where he was to being signed by the Vodafone Warriors is quite a story and it gives us a lot of satisfaction being able to give him the chance to take this big step forward. He deserves this opportunity and we’ll give him all the support we can.”
An elated and emotional Metcalf said he could scarcely contain his excitement about joining the Vodafone Warriors tomorrow.
“This is just unbelievable. It means so much to me and to my family and I’m going to do all I can to make the most of it,” said Metcalf, who has six-year-old twins with his long-time partner.
“I’m not proud of my past and I never will be. I can’t do anything about that now but what I can do something about, and what I’ve been trying to do ever since, is to rebuild my life and get it back on track.
“I have so many people to thank for supporting me through this, my partner, our kids, my family and friends and also rugby league itself. I also owe so much to (manager) Frank Endacott, to the Vulcans and to the Vodafone Warriors for having faith in me.”
Metcalf was marked as a player of exceptional promise when he was in the Vodafone Warriors’ development squad. He was only 16 when he played for the Vodafone Warriors – and scored two tries – in an NRL preseason trial against St George Illawarra in Hamilton in 2004.
His contract was terminated a few months later when he was convicted and imprisoned for his part in an attack on his pregnant ex-girlfriend in 2003.
While the New Zealand Rugby League agreed to reinstate Metcalf in 2005, he was unable to travel to Australia until he was cleared this year. He has played for Auckland clubs Otahuhu, Te Atatu and Marist as well as featuring for North Harbour in the now defunct Bartercard Cup. For the last four seasons he has been a regular for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup but, until this year, he had been restricted to playing only home games. He has also played for the Auckland representative side in the national competition.
While Metcalf will officially become a Vodafone Warrior tomorrow, he has already played for the club’s NRL side this year. It came about when he and Vulcans team-mate Johnny Aranga were brought in to train with the Vodafone Warriors and play in their February 19 NRL trial in Whangarei.
Metcalf has made two trips to Australia with the Vulcans so far this season, playing in their back-to-back wins against Wentworthville (March 12) and Manly (March 19). He also has vast experience of playing alongside many of the current Vodafone Warriors’ NRL squad members when they’ve turned out for the Vulcans.

SHAUN METCALF

Born: August 20, 1987
Birthplace: Christchurch, New Zealand
Position: Centre
Height:180cm
Weight:94kg
Junior Club: Halswell Hornets (Christchurch)
Previous Clubs:Auckland Vulcans (New South Wales Cup); North Harbour (Bartercard Cup), Otahuhu, Te Atatu, Marist, East Coast Bays (Auckland)
Representative:Auckland



Vodafone Warriors sign Vulcans centre Metcalf by on 02/04/2011 // http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/865/Vodafone-Warriors-sign-Vulcans-centre-Metcalf