Warriors player loses licence

‘‘He's a good kid, he's got no other issues, no other past issues, no other dramas and he was certainly very remorseful.’’

A Warriors player has pleaded guilty to driving with excess breath alcohol and has lost his licence for six months.

Mafoa’aeata ’Ata’ Hingano, 19, appeared at the Auckland District Court on Tuesday morning where he was convicted and ordered to pay a $450 fine. He was also disqualified from driving.

Police said that on September 14, Hingano was driving on Tamaki Dr, central Auckland when he was pulled over by a police officer.

The court heard he was driving at speed, and without headlights on, and was heading home after an argument with his partner.

Hingano’s lawyer said he had no previous history before the courts and was given credit for an early guilty plea.

Hingano was named Warriors Rookie of the Year in 2015 and was a bolter for the Warriors 2016 Auckland Nines team.

Along with his rugby league accolades, he was awarded a Counties Manukau sporting excellence award when he was named Counties Manukau junior sportsman of the year in 2014.

Hingano was signed to the Warriors from Pakuranga Rugby League after being scouted in 2013.

Warriors managing director Jim Doyle said Hingano contacted the club the day after the incident.

He said Hingano apologised and put his actions down to a decision.’’

Doyle did not believe Hingano’s conviction would have any effect on his rugby league career.

‘‘He’s a good kid, he’s got no other issues, no other past issues, no other dramas and he was certainly very remorseful,’’ he said.

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The NRL may have not yet cleared Kieran Foran to join the Warriors but that hasn’t stopped the embattled Kiwis playmaker from getting used to his potential new surroundings.

Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei posted a picture on Instagram training with Foran in what appears to be the club’s gym along with a message welcoming him to Mt Smart.

Foran last month signed a oneyear deal with the Warriors for 2017 as he looks to rebuild his career in his homeland. Warriors chief Jim Doyle is working with the NRL to approve Foran’s contract and last week told Stuff.co.nz he was confident the 20-test Kiwis international would be cleared to resume his NRL career next season.