Rebuild underway with two signings
Warriors get names on the dotted lines
The Warriors’ roster revamp is well under way with Kane Evans and Euan Aitken joining the club in 2021, however Bulldogs back-rower Adam Elliott has knocked back a lucrative three-year offer.
In what has been a bumper week for the Warriors with new coach Nathan Brown and consultant Phil Gould confirmed over the weekend, Evans’ arrival next season for the following two years has been officially unveiled by the club.
Paperwork for Aitken’s own three-year commitment is still to be completed but he, too, has confirmed his move across the ditch via Instagram after telling his Dragons team-mates of his exit.
A significant overhaul of the Warriors’ playing stocks has long been forecast but Elliott has privately informed club sources he cannot commit to a move at this point in his career.
With a new baby boy and the Warriors’ uncertainty over where they will be playing in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Elliott’s preference is to remain in Sydney.
It is unclear at this point whether that means he will stay at Belmore, given the Dragons have also pursued the 25-year-old forward.
Elliott was arguably Canterbury’s best forward throughout 2020 before a dislocated shoulder in round eight ended his season and cast doubt over his future, given the Bulldogs’ first extension offer underwhelmed his camp.
Hanging onto the Country Origin star would be a significant coup for Canterbury, given his standing as a club and community leader and upward trajectory on the field.
For the Warriors, Evans and Aitken fit that bill, while the club remains in the hunt for off-contract Dragons lock Jack de Belin pending the outcome of his sexual assault case. A ruling on legal argument in de Belin’s case is expected to come by August 28.
The Warriors and St George Illawarra are understood to be preparing lucrative deals for the ex-NSW Origin representative. NRL.com also understands the Warriors are yet to discuss targeting Tevita Pangai Jnr should his contract be terminated by Brisbane over behaviour breaches, including recent flouting of Covid-19 protocols.
The Warriors have previously pursued Pangai and would have the required salary cap space to accommodate him, should the Broncos cut the Tongan international loose.
Meanwhile, Evans will join Ben Murdoch-Masila as key forward acquisitions for next season after stints at the Roosters and Eels.
Evans has shown signs of his best again with Parramatta this season after injuries and form struggles plagued his first two years at the club.
Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan first brought the 1.99m, 116kg Fijian international into
Kane is a really important signing for us as he brings the size, leg speed and aggression that we are looking to add to our pack.
Peter O’Sullivan Warriors recruitment manager
the Roosters junior system almost a decade ago after playing against his father, Peter Davies.
“Kane is a really important signing for us as he brings the size, leg speed and aggression that we are looking to add to our pack,” O’Sullivan said.
“Kane always played in winning teams during his junior days and he brings that winning culture with him.
“Through his time at the Roosters and Parramatta, he knows what this looks like and this was an ingredient we were keen to add to our squad.
“He is also a fantastic team man who can galvanise teams with a sense of fun and he engenders great enthusiasm into a group.”
Aitken, meanwhile, offers reinforcement out wide for the Warriors, having also enjoyed a return to form with St George Illawarra in recent months.
“Firstly I would just like to thank the Dragons for opportunity to play for such a proud club, I also want to thank the proud members and fans for the support over the years,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Sadly my time at the Dragons has come to end but I’m keen to finish the year of on a high with my mates.
“Although when one door closes another one opens and I’m super excited say I’ve signed with the Warriors and can’t wait for the new challenge that lies ahead.”