Gubb keen to prove all- round worth

Prop puts contract issues behind him to centre on making his attacking game as good as his defence

Off- contract Warriors front- rower Charlie Gubb knows he needs to lift his performances to extend his time at the Warriors or attract other offers from rival NRL clubs.

Gubb was weighing up his options in the off- season after receiving lucrative offers from several clubs, including last year’s champions Cronulla and 2015 winners North Queensland, but the Warriors closed the door on any potential move by taking up an option to retain him this season.

He was expecting a contract upgrade but came to terms with his situation when new coach Stephen Kearney made it clear he has a big part to play in his plans for this season.

Gubb has since put those issues behind him and is determined to take his game to a another level while hoping to secure his future at Mt Smart Stadium.

“I had other offers and things that I thought had been agreed on with the Warriors,” said Gubb.

“Stephen came along and they decided they really wanted to keep me and I had to accept that and I’m really happy to stay.

“Over the pre- season, I’ve been more and more happy training under him and enjoying his style of training and the atmosphere within the team.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and no matter what, I’ll be at the Warriors.”

Gubb is known for his rugged defensive style but admits he needs to improve his overall game and provide more with the ball in hand. The 26- year- old made 14 appearances last season before receiving a harsh seven- week suspension for a shoulder charge in the golden point loss to Manly in Perth.

The Warriors fan favourite is intent on playing longer, more productive minutes and, with Ben Matulino out of action following knee surgery, is pressing hard for selection for next Sunday’s season opener against the Newcastle Knights in Auckland.

“I was just playing one side of the game,” he said. “I wasn’t really concerned about attack. I just wanted to do an awesome job on defence but now I want to do both.

“He [ Kearney] put a lot of confidence in me and we’ve been talking a lot over the pre- season on things I need to work on. I’ve been doing those and I feel I’m a more well- rounded footballer now.

“I want to play more minutes, get more touches, make harder carries and see where that takes me. I’m determined to do that this year. I’ve been practising a lot, it’s just about proving it on the field now.”

Kearney has been impressed by Gubb’s attitude throughout the pre- season and with his trial performances in the starting side against Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

“I’m really pleased for Charlie,” said Kearney. “He was a bit upset at the time but he’s put his best foot forward, which is the best way to go about your business.”

Meanwhile, Kearney i s preparing for the prospect of being without both veteran wing Manu Vatuvei and back- rower Bodene Thompson for the season start.

Vatuvei trained on Friday but i s working his way back to full fitness after tweaking a knee, while Thompson is still battling an ankle problem.

“Manu, he’s progressed really well the last couple of weeks but he hasn’t had a trial and Bodene is on the same boat, so they’re the two main guys [ in doubt].”

Ken Maumalo has played well in the past fortnight and is ready to slot in again on the left wing, while Bunty Afoa is a contender to play if Thompson is ruled out.