At a glance
Harris-Tavita set for contract talks
Chanel Harris-Tavita and his management will have crucial talks with the Warriors next week, where his future at the club will be decided.
Harris-Tavita, who will miss tomorrow’s NRL game against the Sharks as he recovers from a ruptured testicle, has been reluctant to sign a new contract. That could result in him leaving the Warriors at the end of the season, but for now, an offer remains on the table.
The Warriors have signed Luke Metcalf from the Sharks and Roosters’ 19-year-old Ronald Volkman, while utility player Dylan Walker, who is joining from the Sea Eagles, can also play at five-eighth.
Added to this is the fact that Daejarn Asi had a superb debut in the halves for the club against the Raiders last week. Although it was only one game, the Warriors could be reluctant to let a player of his quality go.
Ash Taylor has retired and Kodi Nikorima is leaving, but it still means the Warriors could have an abundance of players who could be in the halves with Shaun Johnson next season.
Contract negotiations between HarrisTavita had reached a stalemate, with the playmaker in the final year of his current contract. Former head of recruitment Peter O’Sullivan didn’t want to offer the 23-year-old a new deal towards the end of last season, even though not doing so would allow other clubs to make him offers by November 1, 2021.
After O’Sullivan went to the Dolphins and Craig Hodges became the club’s general manager football, the Warriors did put a two-year deal on the table.
However, Harris-Tavita had already decided by then he wanted to test the market and that offer has had dust settling on it since then.
But it was made clear to Harris-Tavita and his management that the Warriors wouldn’t wait around for him to decide.
Since then, they’ve picked up Volkman on a three-year deal from next season, but it’s unlikely he’ll be a regular starter next year. That may happen from 2024 when Johnson could have left the club.
What: NRL, Sharks vWarriors
Where, when: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney; 6.05pm tomorrow
Referee: Todd Smith
Sharks: William Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Jesse Ramien, Siosifa Talakai, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Matt Moylan; Toby Rudolf, Blayke Brailey, Aiden Tolman, Briton Nikora, Teig Wilton, Dale Finucane. Interchange: Jack Williams, Cameron McInnes, Wade Graham, Royce Hunt. Reserves: Braydon Trindall, Andrew Fifita, Luke Metcalf, Mawene Hiroti, Connor Tracey, Matt Ikuvalu, Frankin Pele. Warriors: ReeceWalsh, Rocco Berry, Jesse Arthars, Adam Pompey, Viliami Vailea, Daejarn Asi, Shaun Johnson; Addin FonuaBlake, Wayde Egan, Matt Lodge, Euan Aitken, Bayley Sironen, Jazz Tevaga. Interchange: Taniela Otukolo, Bunty Afoa, Eliesa Katoa, Jack Murchie. Reserves: Edward Kosi, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Pride Petterson-Robati, Junior Ratuva, Valingi Kepu, Jackson Frei.
The emergence of Asi adds another twist to the situation. He was initially brought into the Warriors from the Cowboys for the remainder of the season as a backup player, but impressed against the Raiders.
Harris-Tavita could easily pick up a contract in Super League, but he is young enough and talented enough to remain in the NRL and he is one of the best halves coming off contract at the end of the season.
understands at least three NRL clubs are showing interest in Harris-Tavita, with the Raiders one of them.