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Home / Sport / League

League: Departing Warriors - how they've stacked up

David Skipwith
By David Skipwith
Reporter·NZ Herald·
4 Sep, 2015 05:00 PM7 mins to read

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Sam Tomkins' homesick line didn't buy him much respect when he announced he was returning to Wigan a year early. Photo / Nick Reed

Sam Tomkins' homesick line didn't buy him much respect when he announced he was returning to Wigan a year early. Photo / Nick Reed

Several head for greener pastures but others are casualties of cleanout as club updates playing roster.

With the Warriors' season coming to an end it's time to farewell several departing players who are moving on to new clubs or a new chapter in life.

Some have served with distinction over a decade or a number of years while others have cut their time short before reaching their peak.

Several of those exiting Mt Smart Stadium are heading for greener pastures and better opportunities, while others are casualties of the club's cleanout, as Warriors coach Andrew McFadden and Jim Doyle look to update their playing roster for 2016.

We run the rule over the list to see how each will be remembered.

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Sam Tomkins — 37 games:
Signed from Wigan on a big-money three-year deal and arrived under pressure to live up to his tag as the club's most high-profile recruit.

Took time to settle as Kevin Locke's replacement before showing glimpses of brilliance and finished second behind Manu Vatuvei in the try-scoring stakes with 13.

Struggled with injuries this season and managed just one try before limping out of his final match against Wests Tigers with another knee injury.

Was strong ingoal and under the high ball but was unconvincing when confronted by a straight defensive line.

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The homesickness line didn't buy him much respect when he announced he was returning to Wigan a year early. 6/10

Sam Rapira — 173 games:
A proud and strong Warriors' servant over 10 years, will join Super League club Huddersfield next year.

Rapira's reputation as a fearless and physical player no doubt contributed to his horror run with injury and he was restricted to a bit-part role over the past couple of seasons.

Leaves with all the respect of his teammates and fans and this year was a tremendous role model and example for rookie front-rowers Sam Lisone and Albert Vete. 8/10

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Nathan Friend — 85 games:
Another who gave his all every time he took the field and a model of consistency and professionalism during the difficult times of recent years.

Had limitations to his play but fought hard for his No 9 jersey and perhaps produced his best form through the back-end of this season.

Tough as nails, with an extraordinary work ethic and knock-about personality, Friend will forever be remembered for bringing the Warriors to ESPN's attention after his back-flipping antics against the Storm. 8/10

Chad Townsend — 40 games:
Arrived looking to establish himself in first grade and eventually slotted in comfortably as Shaun Johnson's halves partner, playing the steady hand to the No 7s wild card.

Made big strides guiding the side's left edge last year but struggled in the latter stages when Johnson's absence saw him take on greater responsibility, while a chronic groin injury has also affected his performances.

Showed plenty of heart and effort but lacked control and finesse at key times. 7/10

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Ngani Laumape — 30 games:
Warriors fans are already regretting the departure of this strongly built Hurricanes-bound dynamo.

Showed all the skills required of an NRL centre and wing and was dynamic and astute both in attack and defence and a classy finisher.

Started the season as the club's No 1 midfielder but a second serious knee injury prevented him from playing. Will make a big impression at the Cake Tin. 8/10

Glen Fisiiahi — 25 games:
The Flying Fish gave fans plenty to remember since debuting in 2011 - including four tries in Wellington against the Tigers - but a shocking run of injuries limited his time and impact on the wing or at fullback.

A genuine speedster, Fisiiahi grew into his work through just 25 appearances, but because of his time on the sideline never developed into the complete player many hoped he would become. 7/10

Dominique Peyroux — 23 games:
Underrated and often overlooked until injuries presented him with chances to show his wares but the St Helens-bound utility generally gave a good account of himself.

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Lacked the class to cement a regular spot when all players were available but was energetic and capable of conjuring something out of nothing. 6/10

Suaia Matagi — 36 games:
A fan favourite with an inspiring story after overcoming his well-documented and troubled past, and an absolute wrecking ball on kick-returns and one off the ruck. Did everything asked of him and represented the Kiwis in last year's Four Nations, but with lots of emerging front-row talent coming through he struggled to get into the frame for selection this year.

Granted a release to join the Sydney Roosters in May and has found a new home for 2016 at the Penrith Panthers. 7/10

Siliva Havili — 14 games:
A talented and creative dummy-half who never hit top gear in limited starting appearances and off the bench.

Found his path blocked by both Thomas Leuluai and Nathan Friend but should blossom further in the Red V of St George-Illawarra in 2016. 5/10

Sebastine Ikahihifo — 37 games:
A powerful ball-runner with a big right-hand fend and willing defender. Was a handy fill-in but inexperience saw him struggle in some big games. Future unknown. 6/10

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David Bhana: Bhana has yet to play in the NRL. His future is uncertain. He has been offered a part-time deal for next year.

Brad Abbey: Yet to play in the NRL, he's off to play for the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Nathaniel Peteru: Yet to play in the NRL, Peteru has been released to join the Titans until the end of 2016.

Townsend seeks game despite pain

Departing Warriors five-eighth Chad Townsend may require surgery on a groin injury but is desperate to play his final match with the Warriors against the Canterbury Bulldogs tomorrow.

Townsend has struggled through training sessions with the injury to his left leg over the past two months and occasionally had to rely on painkilling injections just to get on the park. In the past fortnight a virus forced him to spend a night in hospital, and he missed the past two defeats to the Cowboys and Wests Tigers.

But with just one game left in the season and the injury-hit Warriors struggling after seven straight losses, the 24-year-old is willing to push through the pain before returning to his former club, the Cronulla Sharks, for 2016.

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"It's what they call osteitis pubis. It's a chronic overuse injury, common in soccer and AFL players through kicking and running," said Townsend.

"It first came out in the Melbourne game in our last win and gradually along the weeks it's got worse. I've been limited with my training and my kicking, and I've been pulled out of sessions here and there.

"I'm trying to push through it and I've got one more game and just want to win. That's all I want to do."

Watching on as the team continued to struggle during his absence was difficult and he hopes his input can bring about a change in fortune.

Townsend hopes surgery can be avoided and will be keeping the Sharks informed about his recovery and any developments over the next couple of weeks.

"It's pretty much just rest and rehab that's going to fix it. It's the right thing to keep the Sharks in the loop. I'm going to meet the surgeon next week. "Hopefully I don't require surgery and it's just rest and rehab that's going to help me out."

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Following Sunday's match, Townsend will extend his stay in Auckland, as he looks to complete the first stages of a Diploma in Financial Planning.

"I've been doing it for about three months and I've got an assignment to hand in and an exam to sit before I head back.

"I decided to stay here for an extra week because I want to try and focus on that and get it done."

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