Who’s staying and who’s going
Michael Burgess
The Warriors roster for 2018 and beyond is starting to take shape.
After the recent capture of Titans forward Leivaha Pulu, and the expected re-signing of James Gavet, more decisions around the long list of off-contract players are imminent.
Fan favourite Charlie Gubb appears headed for another club, while workmanlike centre Blake Ayshford is likely to earn an extension.
The fate of Tui Lolohea should be decided in the next fortnight and prop Albert Vete’s future at the club appears uncertain. Gubb seems close to an exit. He had offers from several clubs before the start of this season and was keen to take them up, given the plethora of props at the Warriors, and his intermittent appearances during the past few seasons.
Gubb made 14 appearances last season (though his campaign was ruined by a seven-week suspension) but before that had played only 15 matches in three years.
Gubb has attracted interest from rival clubs, with the Cowboys considering him given their injury toll in the forwards. But that’s contingent on the Warriors granting an early release, which may be unlikely given the importance of props in the modern game.
However, the Warriors also haven’t been forthcoming with a new contract offer for next season and time is ticking.
“He would love to stay,” said Gubb’s manager Frank Endacott. “But if you don’t get an offer you have to go to market. It feels like we have been forced to go to the market.”
Gubb hasn’t played first grade since the round seven loss to the Canberra Raiders.
The return of Ben Matulino from injury hasn’t helped his cause, while Ligi Sao, Sam Lisone and Gavet all seem to be ranked ahead of him.
Vete’s future is also under question.
The 24-year-old started the first three games of the season but has not been included in the 17 since then. However, Ayshford is on an upwards trajectory. While he is never going to turn heads at centre, the club see him as a good foil for the younger talents out wide such as Solomone Kata, David Fusitu’a and Ken Maumalo. He’s experienced — with 150 matches across nine seasons — and has rediscovered his hunger for the sport in Auckland, after two difficult seasons at the Sharks. Ayshford has performed solidly since he returned to first grade in round four and impressed with his defensive commitment in the recent 14-13 win over the Roosters in round nine. Lolohea has a meeting early next week with boss Jim Doyle and Stephen Kearney to discuss his future, with up to four clubs in the market for his services. The 22-year-old is seeking an early release and has been linked with the Tigers, having met with their coach Ivan Cleary. “He is free to have a look around and we haven’t changed anything on that,” said Tony Iro, Warriors head of recruitment.