NRL: Who's centre of attention?

Joel Moon. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Joel Moon and Shaun Berrigan could get reprieves; Simon Mannering, Lewis Brown and Krisnan Inu could make a permanent switch or Konrad Hurrell could step up from the Toyota Cup. There are any number of suggestions as to who should partner - and back up - Jerome Ropati as a centre at the Warriors next season.

Ropati's return to the left side after his left knee reconstruction will be welcome but there is conjecture over the best way to stack the right edge. Any decision on boosting the Warriors centre stocks is on hold until the club announces its new coach - expected to be Brian McClennan - possibly this week. Chief executive Wayne Scurrah sees no need to rush into any decision, given the team is winning and settled under Ivan Cleary until the end of the season.

"We'll wait for a coach to be appointed before we make any more recruitment decisions. The salary cap's available - as long as it's not a major signing. We're happy to look at options but it comes down to who is available.

"Joel and Shaun are at different stages of their careers and Krisnan Inu is signed for two more years. He's capable as a centre, wing or fullback."

Warriors recruitment manager - and former club centre and skipper - Dean Bell says it is one area he would like to strengthen if given the go-ahead.

"It's a difficult area to fill and one we've looked at for a while. Losing Jerome has put a strain on those positions and it is my job to ensure a succession plan is in place."

After time spent with the Vulcans since his round three axing, 23-year-old Moon has strengthened his case for a renewed contract. He's produced strong performances in the last fortnight, including being awarded players' player of the day against the Rabbitohs last Sunday with two tries, 119 running metres, five tackle breaks, four offloads and a try assist.

Berrigan remains a contender to take up an automatic year-long option. He has to play 20 games to validate that clause in his contract - he sits on 14 going into today's match. The 32-year-old has to stay injury-free and in selection favour with six games to go.

Whether he decides to take up any offer is a moot point with Cleary moving on and a desire looming to return home to be closer to family in Queensland. Last week he proved he is still a big game player, failing to miss a tackle against the might of Greg Inglis.

Cleary is reluctant to speak about next year's squad make-up, given he has no input from this point, but says both the incumbents are impressing.

"Berrigan has done all there is to do in the game. Moon did a good job at the start of the year but lost confidence in defence. He was a casualty when it came time for change after a few losses but he's played well at the Vulcans in a number of positions."

Skipper Simon Mannering says he will play anywhere but has left the impression in recent weeks he is best suited to the second row.

"It's not my decision but Joel and Shaun have done a great job the last few weeks. You can always throw guys from the second row in there and make them utilities but it'd be nice to have specialists. However, they're hard to find and hold onto in the NRL."

Hurrell (19) is signed until the end of next year with one insider saying he is an excellent prospect who needs to work on his finishing finesse. If McClennan is named coach it's understood he favours Inu playing on the wing rather than at centre, rating his ability under the high ball as a key attribute.