"If you ever want to have a conversation ... you are a brilliant player," Crowe told Tomkins, who was interviewing him for Sky Sports. "Don't, whatever you do, go to a team in the NRL that's not in Australia."
The Warriors remain hopeful Tomkins will sign and it's hard to see Friend having a future at the club if that happens. It would see an increasingly congested picture at fullback, which would have a flow-on effect to the halves and hooker.
Yesterday, the club confirmed the signing of Cronulla half Chad Townsend, which was helped by the immediate release of Harry Siejka, and Kevin Locke would also come into the mix.
Thomas Leuluai, who has played five-eighth all season, is likely to shift into hooker alongside Pita Godinet meaning Friend probably wouldn't be needed or afforded.
"We advised Nathan we weren't in a position take up the option on his contract," Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said. "That doesn't mean we're not interested but we are still trying to manage the salary cap and the rest of our roster."
Friend's preference is to stay in Auckland, particularly as he has a young family who are settled here, but the club are mindful of the fact he is 32 and has had troubles with his shoulder in his 18 months here.
"They tell me that I'm wanted," Friend said. "I guess time will tell. Hopefully, they come back with something that allows us to stay here for another year because that would be fantastic."
Friend, who is reportedly on about $300,000 a season, also said he would consider a pay cut to stay.
"It depends how much less, but for sure," he said. "That's something the wife and I will have to consider if they table something. There is some other interest out there."
