Watene-Zelezniak prepared to wing it

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak wants to move to the Warriors and is happy to play on the wing for the club.

Stuff understands the Kiwis captain is keen to rejuvenate his career at the Warriors and pick up a contract to the end of the 2023 season.

All that remains for the deal to be complete is negotiations with the Bulldogs over how much of his salary they are willing to pick up.

The Hamilton-born Watene-Zelezniak is on $850,000 a season at the Bulldogs. A move to the Warriors, or any other club, will depend on how much they’re willing to contribute towards his salary for this year and next.

Warriors team to play the Knights: Reece Walsh, Marcelo Montoya, Rocco Berry, Euan Aitken, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), Kodi Nikorima, Sean O’Sullivan, Addin Fonua-Blake, Jazz Tevaga, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Bayley Sironen, Tohu Harris, Josh Curran. Interchange (from): Eliesa Katoa, Leeson Ah Mau, Bunty Afoa, Kane Evans, Edward Kosi, Jack Murchie, Adam Pompet, Taniela Otukolo.

The Warriors would want the Bulldogs to pay around $400,000 of Watene-Zelezniak’s contract for next season and a similar ratio for the remainder of 2021.

Watene-Zelezniak has played most of his footy at fullback for the Bulldogs this season and generally fullbacks are held in higher esteem and paid more money than wingers.

But it’s believed Watene-Zelezniak is content at playing on the wing for the Warriors, although he’ll be able to switch to the No 1 jersey anytime Reece Walsh is unavailable.

Warriors coach Nathan Brown has gone with Sean O’Sullivan at halfback for Saturday’s game against the Knights, reinstating Walsh at fullback.

As Brown suggested after the 42-16 loss to the Storm on Sunday, he made as few changes as possible as he juggles his team that has likely lost Chanel HarrisTavita for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.

So O’Sullivan, who impressed earlier in the season, gets selected again, with Walsh wearing the No 1 jersey, meaning Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moves to the wing.