Warriors in search of new halves
The Warriors will go to the market to find a replacement for Mason Lino.
Lino, 24, left the club to take up a two-year deal with the Knights and it means the Warriors are in search of cover for halfback and five-eighth.
The club has two promising players – Chanel Harris-tavita and Hayze Perham – who can play in the halves, but 2019 could be too soon to make the jump to NRL level if there are long-term injuries to Blake Green or Shaun Johnson.
Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith is pleased with the progress Harris-tavita and Perham are making, but wants to ensure they have plenty of depth in these crucial positions.
‘‘We recognise that we’ve got Chanel and Hayze Perham, who we have high hopes for and they’re both developing,’’ Smith said. ‘‘They’re somewhere where Mason was two or three years ago.
‘‘They are big, strong fellas, they’ve got great attitudes, good physique and they’ve got every chance of being NRL players over the next little while.
‘‘Whether it will be next year, I’m not sure, but on top of that we’re quite aware of a number of other guys at NRL clubs who are shuffling their feet a bit, so we’ll look at what’s available outside our club and we’re very aware of what’s already inside it.’’
Lino had been a long-term understudy at the Warriors and had gradually become frustrated at that role.
This feeling was heightened by this year’s season where he showed numerous times that he can play well at the NRL level.
‘‘The young fella had quite a bit of ambition,’’ Smith said.
‘‘When I spoke to him, I knew that he had that feel about him, that he made progression this season and he couldn’t see how he was going to get more games at our place.
Meanwhile, Smith refuted reports that the club has lost patience with Issac Luke over the drawn out contract negotiations.
Luke’s current deal with the club has ended and it seems remaining with the Warriors or going to the Knights are the most likely options.
Smith said they don’t have a problem with him taking time to make his decision.
‘‘We’ve shown respect for Issac’s situation and all of the way through it nothing has changed for us,’’ he said.
Smith said the Warriors already have plans on what they’ll do if Luke doesn’t stay.
‘‘On an ongoing basis, our recruitment department is always looking at who’s available,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ll certainly be ready if the news is that Issac has found another club.’’