Warriors boss digs heels in on Etene
Warriors chief executive Cameron George says he hasn’t shifted his stance with New Zealand Rugby over Etene Nanai-Seturo and doesn’t intend to.
The battle between the two codes has stretched into a second week, despite New Zealand Rugby saying early last week it thought the issue would be resolved within a few days.
Although the 18-year-old NanaiSeturo is contracted to the Warriors, he represented the New Zealand sevens team the past two weeks and clearly wants to link up with the Chiefs.
George says the club is taking further legal advice, but is convinced the Warriors are in the right.
‘‘We’re still working through it and waiting to get some advice back,’’ George said yesterday.
‘‘Once I know that, we’ll understand what our next steps are.
‘‘But New Zealand Rugby know our position and that’s where we stand and I haven’t wavered from that and will not waver from that.
‘‘We are very confident that we’ve done everything appropriately and professionally.’’
Last year Nanai-Seturo attempted to resign from his Warriors contract, so he could switch to rugby.
If that could legally happen, it could have major implications in New Zealand sport and be the most significant event since rugby went professional in 1995.
If a player could resign from a contract in one sport and start playing another, there would be nothing stopping Roger TuivasaSheck walking out of the Warriors to join the Blues this week, or for Sonny Bill Williams to immediately make a move in the opposite direction.
‘‘We’ve got to protect our organisation, our investment and commitment to our players,’’ George said. ‘‘We provide benefits in contracts and we take it seriously and ensure we do everything we’re committed to do legally. ‘‘We expect the same in return.’’ Meanwhile, it is possible that next week the test between the Kiwis and England to be played in the United States in June could be announced.
It will take place during the State of Origin standalone weekend, with Denver and New York proposed as locations for the historic game.
If it does happen, the Warriors will be affected more than any other club with up to eight of their players selected for the Kiwis.
George says he understands the desire to grow the sport in the United States and says he won’t enforce a blanket ban on the Warriors sending players to the other side of the Pacific Ocean.
However, he thinks they’ll make calls on players on a case by case situation.
‘‘Firstly, we haven’t been advised officially of the game, that’s not to say that’s not forthcoming,’’ George said.
‘‘Secondly, it is tough for us given our draw, playing the Cowboys the week before and then backing up against the Sharks on a Friday night after the proposed game in the States.
‘‘All I can say is that the Vodafone Warriors have always and will continue to support the growth of the game and how we can achieve that together with New Zealand Rugby League and we’ll always explore those options.
‘‘But it’s not doubt that it’s going to be tough on this club and at the end of the day, what players will be available will be entirely up to Alex Corvo [Warriors trainer] and Stephen Kearney.
‘‘Player welfare is paramount and that will be measured as we measure that every other day of the week.’’
‘‘If they’re selected, they [Corvo and Kearney] will either approve their selection or otherwise.’’