Warriors signings, contract extensions thread

[One Warrior]

Titans hooker Friend signs with Vodafone Warriors
Highly-rated Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend will link up with the Vodafone Warriors next season on a two-year contract with an option for 2014.

The Toowoomba-born Friend, who was close to playing for Queensland in last year’s State of Origin, has amassed a club record 97 appearances for the Titans since their debut season in the NRL in 2007.
After starting his NRL career with the Brisbane Broncos, he spent four seasons with the Melbourne Storm as back-up to Cameron Smith, playing in the 2006 grand final before joining Gold Coast.
Vodafone Warriors recruitment manager Dean Bell said the signing represented a significant breakthrough for the Vodafone Warriors.
“We’re really pleased to be able to secure a player of the highest quality in such a key position,” he said.
“It’s not often anyone rated as one of the best in a specialist role becomes available on the market. Such players are usually well tied up, so for us to get someone as talented as Nathan is a real achievement.”
Friend made his NRL debut with the Broncos in 2002 before joining the Storm where he added a further 34 appearances before becoming one of the Titans’ foundation players.
“I’ve had a great time with the Titans. They gave me the chance to establish myself at first-grade level and I appreciate what they’ve done for me,” he said.
“While my focus is on doing well for them for the rest of this season, I’m also pleased to have my future sorted out for next year and beyond. It’s an important contract not just for me but also my family.”
Named the Titans’ 2009 player of the year, Friend’s a skilful playmaker out of dummy half – as he has proved against the Vodafone Warriors in the past – and is also renowned as one of the NRL’s leading defenders. In last Friday night’s clash against North Queensland, his first outing of the season, he made a game-high 57. Last season he totalled 1120 tackles (the most of all players), 1067 in 2009, 910 in 2008 and 783 in 2007.
Regarded as one of the game’s most durable players, he made 56 consecutive appearances for the Titans to the end of last season.
Friend is a qualified personal trainer and also a bricklayer by trade.

NATHAN FRIEND

Born: February 28, 1981
Birthplace: Toowoomba, Queensland
Position: Hooker
Height:172cm
Weight:84kg
Junior Club: Wests Juniors (Toowoomba)
Previous Clubs:Melbourne Storm (2003-2006), Brisbane Broncos (2002), Toowoomba Clydesdales (Queensland)
NRL Debut: Brisbane v Wests Tigers, Campbelltown Sports Ground, May 31, 2002 (Round 12)
NRL Career: 132 appearances 2002-2011:
Brisbane Broncos: 1 appearance 2002
Melbourne Storm: 34 appearances 2003-2006
Gold Coast Titans: 97 appearances 2007-2011
NRL Points: 28 points (7 tries)
Representative:Nil

Titans hooker Friend signs with Vodafone Warriors by on 11/04/2011 // http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/878/Titans-hooker-Friend-signs-with-Vodafone-Warriors

 

[One Warrior]

Warriors take up their option on Maloney for 2012.

Warriors playmaker Maloney must deliver on potential
BY AARON LAWTON Last updated 11:49 24/04/2011
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League Warriors playmaker Maloney must deliver on potential Thurston stars as Cowboys crush Cronulla Burgess injured in Rabbitohs loss to Bulldogs Riding with wing of the Melbourne Storm Darren Lockyer magic too much for Tigers Steve Matai double sees Manly down Penrith Pressure piling up on Warrior Brett Seymour Willie Mason de-registered by Hull KR Stars collide as Marshall stares down Lockyer Joe Galuvao confident he's over foot injury
Warriors playmaker James Maloney might have gone from fringe first-grader to starting half in little more than a year and just been re-signed by the club but coach Ivan Cleary still believes his young rising star is very much a work in progress.

The nuggety 24-year-old linked up with the Warriors last year, having played just four matches for the Melbourne Storm.

He was something of an unknown quantity at the time but quickly established himself at first-grade level, eventually going on to play in 24 of the club's 25 matches last year.

Last week, the Warriors informed Maloney they were exercising an option in his contract.

It will see him remain in Auckland for at least another season and would suggest the New South Welshman has a big future at the club.

But even so, Cleary is adamant the talented youngster needs to knuckle down and deliver on his potential if he wants to hang on to his starting spot in the halves.

"James came here as an unheralded player who had only played four games in the NRL but had had an extensive career in the lower grades," Cleary told Sunday News.

"He's become a regular NRL half since coming here and in that sense he's done well. I do think there's a fair way to go in terms of consistency in all aspects of the game.

"But he's got plenty going for him. He's a good football player and he's tough. There's a way to go."

The primary criticism with Maloney relates to his defensive frailties and tendency to get off side with NRL officials.

Last year he was the most penalised player in the competition and missed the most tackles after South Sydney's Chris Sandow.

Maloney concedes he's desperate to improve on his shortcomings and spent much of the pre-season focusing on how he could do just that.

But his coach, on the other hand, believes the suggestion Maloney lacks when it comes to the tackling department isn't entirely accurate.

"He's a bit of a conundrum defensively because he's quite good in many respects," Cleary said.

"He reads the play well and, physically, he can tackle. But he's still a bit sloppy in areas and that pretty much sums up his game.

"He's still coming to grips with the level of intensity of the NRL and that's not just about playing but preparation as well.

"Playing in his position there is a lot riding on a lot of things.

"He's coming along but in all aspects there's a fair way to go."

Maloney will link up with last year's main partner in crime Brett Seymour in the halves against the Storm in Melbourne tomorrow night.

It will be the first time the duo has played together since Seymour was dropped in round four after an indifferent start to the year.

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"I'm looking forward to getting back out there with Buster," Maloney said.

"Obviously, we play pretty well together and we just have to make sure we run the side around the park and get everyone doing what they need to be doing.

"That ownership has to fall on us and we have to make sure that happens and also that our kicking game is on.

"I think the best thing about the way we play is that nobody really takes charge. We've both play very much in sync. I'm looking forward to this and putting a bad game from last week behind us."

As for his contract extension, Maloney says he hasn't forgotten it was the Warriors who offered him a first-grade lifeline when his opportunities in Melbourne were limited.

"It's great that I'll be here again next year because we won't have to pack up and move any time soon now," he said.

"Things are going well. We are really settled over here and enjoying it. It's just a matter of playing consistent footy and making sure that I perform the role in the team that I am there to do."

- Sunday News

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/4922301/Warriors-playmaker-Maloney-must-deliver-on-potential

 

[Rich102]

Contracts:2011 and beyond.
Name: Age: Contracted to:
Shaun Berrigan 2011
Lewis Brown 23 2012
Glen Fisiiahi 2015
Nathan Friend 2013
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
Samiuela Lousi 19 2013
Sione Lousi 20 2013
Micheal Luck 27 2012
James Maloney 23 2012
Simon Mannering 23 2012
Shaun Metcalf 2011
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 25/04/11
Obviously I have missed a lot of extensions. If you can assist please let me know.

 

[devoid]

Warriors pick up option on Kevin Locke for 2012.

source

 

[One Warrior]

Warriors pick up option on Kevin Locke for 2012.

source

Fantastic news, now lets lock (pun intended) him up long term.

 

[One Warrior]

Mass re-signings announced:

Jacob Lillyman 2013
Alehana Mara 2013
Pita Godinet 2013
Ukuma Ta'ai 2012
Isaac John 2012
James Gavet 2012
Saulala Houma 2012
Ivan Penehe 2012
Konrad Hurrell 2012

NRL: Godinet deal may put Seymour out
By Andrew Alderson
5:30 AM Sunday May 29, 2011

The latest Warriors' signing of halfback/five-eighth/hooker Pita Godinet could be a signal that the end of the road beckons for Brett Seymour.

Godinet and a batch of local players have added depth in the hooker and halves positions for future seasons. There remains no official decision on what will happen to first grade regulars Seymour and Aaron Heremaia - but Seymour's could well be the position most under threat.

Seymour's form has been improved lately but the halfback is not contracted beyond this year. His agent George Mimis did not return calls. Heremaia is expected to sign for an Australian or English club.

Warriors back-up hooker Alehana Mara and Auckland Vulcans utility Godinet have been signed on two-year contracts to the end of the 2013 season, while utility Isaac John has been signed again for 2012.

With James Maloney the club's first-choice five-eighth and Nathan Friend most likely to be the starting hooker when he arrives from the Titans, it could leave Godinet, John and the long-term contracted Shaun Johnson to contest the halfback spot next year.

In other retentions, prop Jacob Lillyman has signed until the end of the 2013 season, sealing an outstanding week where he made his fifth State of Origin appearance for victorious Queensland.

Article continues below

Second rower Ukuma Ta'ai, Vulcans props James Gavet (21) and Saulala Houma (20), centre Ivan Penehe (21) and junior Warrior Konrad Hurrell (19) have signed one-year deals.

Godinet is arguably the biggest winner from the new deals. It is the 23-year-old's second contract upgrade in a matter of months and reinforces the club's intention to develop local players.

He was on a trial contract in the off-season but his form in pre-season trials earned him a one-year contract for 2011 - now extended to two years. Godinet played in three of the Warriors' four trials in February but is yet to make his NRL debut. He's sidelined at the moment with a sprained ankle but has been impressive for the top-of-table Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup. He was the Vulcans' player of the year in 2010 and made his test debut for Samoa against the Kiwis in October.

"I'm happy as. It's given me security," Godinet says. "Ivan [Warriors coach Cleary] had a chat and said he liked my attitude at training, I'm not doing anything wrong and could get a spot on the bench later in the season. There's obviously a lot of other halves but they won't all necessarily stay."

Vulcans coach Richie Blackmore expects his injured skipper to make a smooth transition to first grade.

"He's competitive, versatile, has lot of speed and a nice kicking game. He's threatening in most areas as a half which is a big reason we're travelling as well as we are."

Godinet is originally from the Richmond club and Blackmore says his signing bodes well for the programme to develop local New Zealand players for first grade.

"Obviously you can't keep all your players but it's important the Warriors show a healthy push towards developing home-grown talent to play at the highest level."
By Andrew Alderson | Email Andrew

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10728800

 

[Izz]

Those are some good re-signings. Next year's squad is shaping up really nicely.

 

[VodafoneWarriors1995]

Does anybody know if Upu Poching will be with us for 2012? With the likes of Gavet and Houma resigning with the club, i can't see Poching with us next year.

 

[Phantomlock]

sorry mate but no indication of any interest in Upu. It's a big pity because he's not really been given a shot other than that one game he debuted in. I would've at least shared game time with Lattimore.

PL

 

[Rich102]

I see Hurrell is signed to a full time contract till 2012. He he full-time with the squad at the moment?

 

[VodafoneWarriors1995]

Why don't we take interest in the Ah Mau brothers? Leeson and Isaak are quality players and i know that we already have enough forwards. Although, they are talented. We already have 2 devastating duos in the Lousi brothers and the Rapira brothers for 2012.

 

[blain]

Did you just answer your own question? Because I agree haha. We already have better talent and numbers in the forwards.

 

[One Warrior]

Locke locked in until end of 2013.

League: Reformed Seymour to join English club
By Andrew Alderson
5:30 AM Sunday Jun 19, 2011

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Brett Seymour is expected to sign for Hull. Photo / Getty Images
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Brett Seymour is expected to sign for Hull. Photo / Getty Images

Brett Seymour looks set to join Hull FC in the UK Super League next season.

The Hull Daily Mail claims Bradford were initially after the 26-year-old halfback but Hull FC may end up signing him, thanks to a couple of Warriors links.

Hooker Aaron Heremaia has signed with the club next year and utility Shaun Berrigan played for them before joining the Warriors.

Seymour has had a turbulent past with behavioural and alcohol-related incidents seeing him move on from Brisbane and Cronulla. However, he has been an excellent recruit for the Warriors since his abstinence from alcohol.

Seymour has played for the club 21 times over two seasons for 12 wins and nine losses.

His playmaking abilities and football brain helped the team through to the finals last year, despite missing almost half their matches with injury. He last played against South Sydney in round 11, the final match in the Warriors five-game winning streak where he fractured his cheekbone.

Seymour has helped mentor a number of younger players. Unfortunately the signing of those players, such as Shaun Johnson, means there appears to be no further space on the Warriors roster for him.

Isaac John is contracted until the end of next season and Pita Godinet's signature through until the end of 2013 meant there was no budget left for his experience in the halves. An option has already been taken up on James Maloney for next season.

Hull have also signed former Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon.

Meanwhile, Kevin Locke has signed with the Warriors until the end of the 2013 season. Originally the club took up an option on the 22-year-old for next year but that has been extended.

Locke was at fullback in the Warriors' match against North Queensland in Townsville last night, his sixth consecutive start in the position since replacing Lance Hohaia for the May 8 encounter with Gold Coast. He has now made 40 first-grade appearances.

Locke's new contract follows confirmation three weeks ago of nine players being secured for the Warriors' next season or beyond, including Queensland prop Jacob Lillyman, Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend, fullback/wing Glen Fisiiahi, prop Sam Rapira and Maloney.
By Andrew Alderson | Email Andrew
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/league/news/article.cfm?c_id=79&objectid=10733153

 

[broncos2010]

the backrow is pretty good just the centers are LOL

 

[Warrior@Heart]

Latimore gone to the dragons 2012.

 

[Mixmasterreece]

SO by the sounds of it Isaac John, Upu Poaching, James Gavet, Matt Robinson, Metcalf & Saulala all gone for 2012 as well.

 

[Warmess]

Wow. I know we're pretty good on props, but getting rid of Gavet AND Poaching? I guess if they got an opportunity elsewhere, good on them. If we got rid of them though...

The rest I'm not too worried about, plenty more where they came from. Hopefully John can crack a side in the NRL. He looked good when he played for us, but there's no room for him. No doubt he's NRL quality so I hope he finds a good home.

 

[Manurewa_Marlins]

Cant keep everyone unfortunately.

 

[The European Polynesian]

Wow. I know we're pretty good on props, but getting rid of Gavet AND Poaching? I guess if they got an opportunity elsewhere, good on them. If we got rid of them though...

They would have got better offers elsewhere - I'd put the house on it. Poching Vulcan's POTY? Wouldn't be kicked to the curb.

 

[Warmess]

I'd have thought we'd offer up enough to keep at least one of them. Who do we have if one of our props goes down next year? Bluey must be hoping that one of the U20s boys can step up.