From stuff.co.nz
By STEVE KILGALLON
Don't expect any more major signings from the Warriors for 2007 - the club's major recruitment seems over.
Fullback Wade McKinnon, the much-anticipated signing from Parramatta, may be the only established first-grader the Warriors bring in for next season.
The club is chasing only two more outside signings and both are likely to be young lower-graders who will provide depth rather than be starters.
Pace is next on the recruitment agenda, but while players such as the former Queensland wing Chris Walker and Wests Tigers' premiership winner Shane Elford remain on the market, the Sunday Star-Times understands the Warriors are looking at Roosters' teenager Michael Lett for the vacancy.
Lett, a 19-year-old wing, is a former Australian Schoolboys player who played three first grade games last year, and the Warriors are assessing his potential to break through. They had also considered St George Illawarra fullback Jason Nightingale before he re-signed with the Dragons.
"We're looking for someone with a bit of speed - ideally someone who can play a few different positions (in the backline)," said coach Ivan Cleary. "At this stage, we might need one or two (more signings), but we won't rush into anything."
Salary cap limitations and re-signing the majority of their off-contract players has restricted the Warriors' spending power.
CEO Wayne Scurrah said the Warriors were monitoring the late-season form of several players, not just in the NRL but also the Bartercard Cup and the NSW Premier League (reserve grade).
The other signing the club ideally want to make is a standoff, but the paucity of available players there means the club is now likely to stick with Jerome Ropati at No 6 for next season.
"I don't think there are any out there, that's the problem - I don't think we are the only club looking for one," said Cleary. "And if Jerome keeps improving at the rate he has been, then, no (we won't be replacing him at six). It depends on who we get but at this stage he is looking like first choice."
Cleary confirmed the Warriors expect to release wing Cooper Vuna and prop George Tuakura, who haven't played first grade this season, but hadn't made a final decision.
But it seems unlikely centre Clinton Toopi has much chance of securing an early release to join Leeds. "I don't see how we can let him go," said Cleary. "We're pretty thin (in the backs) and he is still well and truly in the frame."
Toopi admitted making the switch to Super League now was "at the back of my mind". He added: "But at the moment I want to fight my way back into the Warriors team."
Cleary said losing Awen Guttenbeil had become a financial, not a playing decision: "I'd love to have him."
Meanwhile, the Star-Times understands the relationship between the Warriors and influential player-agent Jim Banaghan has hit a new low.
The Warriors signed an extended deal with Epalahame Lauaki without any discussion with Banaghan, instead negotiating directly with the prop.
It raises more questions over how the Warriors will deal with the Brisbane-based Banaghan over other players on his books, which include Nathan Fien and Louis Anderson.
Tickets go on sale this week for the Tri-Nations, ranging from $20-$65 for the Kiwis' home matches.
The Australian Rugby League (ARL) said tickets for the October-November tournament also involving Great Britain would go on sale to season ticketholders tomorrow and to the public on Wednesday.
The tournament opens with a match between the defending champion Kiwis and Australia at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on October 14.
Tickets range from $20 for the grass embankment to $65 for the upper grandstand.
Prices range from $25-$65 for the Kiwis' other home matches, against Great Britain at Christchurch's Jade Stadium on October 28 and the same opponents at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on November 11.
By STEVE KILGALLON
Don't expect any more major signings from the Warriors for 2007 - the club's major recruitment seems over.
Fullback Wade McKinnon, the much-anticipated signing from Parramatta, may be the only established first-grader the Warriors bring in for next season.
The club is chasing only two more outside signings and both are likely to be young lower-graders who will provide depth rather than be starters.
Pace is next on the recruitment agenda, but while players such as the former Queensland wing Chris Walker and Wests Tigers' premiership winner Shane Elford remain on the market, the Sunday Star-Times understands the Warriors are looking at Roosters' teenager Michael Lett for the vacancy.
Lett, a 19-year-old wing, is a former Australian Schoolboys player who played three first grade games last year, and the Warriors are assessing his potential to break through. They had also considered St George Illawarra fullback Jason Nightingale before he re-signed with the Dragons.
"We're looking for someone with a bit of speed - ideally someone who can play a few different positions (in the backline)," said coach Ivan Cleary. "At this stage, we might need one or two (more signings), but we won't rush into anything."
Salary cap limitations and re-signing the majority of their off-contract players has restricted the Warriors' spending power.
CEO Wayne Scurrah said the Warriors were monitoring the late-season form of several players, not just in the NRL but also the Bartercard Cup and the NSW Premier League (reserve grade).
The other signing the club ideally want to make is a standoff, but the paucity of available players there means the club is now likely to stick with Jerome Ropati at No 6 for next season.
"I don't think there are any out there, that's the problem - I don't think we are the only club looking for one," said Cleary. "And if Jerome keeps improving at the rate he has been, then, no (we won't be replacing him at six). It depends on who we get but at this stage he is looking like first choice."
Cleary confirmed the Warriors expect to release wing Cooper Vuna and prop George Tuakura, who haven't played first grade this season, but hadn't made a final decision.
But it seems unlikely centre Clinton Toopi has much chance of securing an early release to join Leeds. "I don't see how we can let him go," said Cleary. "We're pretty thin (in the backs) and he is still well and truly in the frame."
Toopi admitted making the switch to Super League now was "at the back of my mind". He added: "But at the moment I want to fight my way back into the Warriors team."
Cleary said losing Awen Guttenbeil had become a financial, not a playing decision: "I'd love to have him."
Meanwhile, the Star-Times understands the relationship between the Warriors and influential player-agent Jim Banaghan has hit a new low.
The Warriors signed an extended deal with Epalahame Lauaki without any discussion with Banaghan, instead negotiating directly with the prop.
It raises more questions over how the Warriors will deal with the Brisbane-based Banaghan over other players on his books, which include Nathan Fien and Louis Anderson.
Tickets go on sale this week for the Tri-Nations, ranging from $20-$65 for the Kiwis' home matches.
The Australian Rugby League (ARL) said tickets for the October-November tournament also involving Great Britain would go on sale to season ticketholders tomorrow and to the public on Wednesday.
The tournament opens with a match between the defending champion Kiwis and Australia at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on October 14.
Tickets range from $20 for the grass embankment to $65 for the upper grandstand.
Prices range from $25-$65 for the Kiwis' other home matches, against Great Britain at Christchurch's Jade Stadium on October 28 and the same opponents at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on November 11.
then don't read if you don't get it! gee, it would make you less complicated man. The simple turn of what I said: nothing wrong with looking for depth in positiions. I was using the Webby injury as an example. that other bit before t hat was just that I'm not keen on us chasing chris walker but we aren't really looking at 1st graders now apparently