The New Zealand Warriors have dropped a bombshell this week, tapping Nathan Fien on the shoulder and telling the strong utility he can start looking for new clubs from here on in.
Fien; a handy hooker, halfback or halves player – was initially tied up with the Warriors until the end of 2009, but has been now been told he is not a key member of plans for for the future and as such, can start making inquiries with other NRL clubs. A solid player with bagloads of experience, Fien is sure to be offered a role somewhere in the NRL with many clubs looking for a senior player to help bring through promising juniors.
“I’ve been really happy in Auckland and as is my family, but NRL is a business I suppose,†he said.
“I’ve been told I’m not in the plans for NRL 2009. I’ve asked whether I can have a look at the market and that if something comes up, the club would look at a release. I want to secure the future for my family.
“While there has already been talk linking me with other clubs, I’m contracted to the Vodafone Warriors until the end of 2009 at this stage.
“I wanted to stay on after that but I really appreciate the way the Warriors have gone about this.â€
Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah gave words of encouragement regarding Fien.
“Nathan has given the club fantastic service,†he said.
“We wanted to give him plenty of notice, that he doesn’t feature in our plans for 2010 and beyond.
“We thought it was only fair to give him an honest view of how we see things as early as possible so it gives him plenty of time to secure a long-term future.â€