Rugby League: Akland joins Warriors, Price likely

6.00pm

UPDATE - The Warriors have made off-field signings to bolster the on-field performance in the National Rugby League, with a three-year extension to their deal with sponsors Vodafone and confirmation that respected coach John Ackland will join them.

The mobile phone giant's spokeswoman Lynley Kirk-Smith said it was not required to negotiate for another six months but wanted to show faith and give the team some encouragement.

Ackland was a part of the organisation in the late '90s but left and has since concentrated his energies in the Bartercard Cup and as a talent scout for the Canterbury Bulldogs, sending players including Roy Asotasi, Hutch Maiava and Sonny Bill Williams their way.

He is highly regarded by current and former Warriors who passed through his hands as reserve grade coach or at the Mt Albert club.

A big questionmark still hangs over the arrival of Bulldogs captain Steve Price but insiders are confident he will sign, terms agreed. The Bulldogs, carefully audited by the NRL's salary cap monitors, are believed to not have the money to match the Warriors' big offer despite cutting players including Maiava, who has signed with the Warriors' Saturday night opponents Cronulla.

Price's wife Jo watched the Warriors beat the Eels last Saturday. She checked properties in Kumeu and Hunua, as well as schools for the children, so clearly he is serious about leaving the club where he has played for 10 years. His decision is expected post-State of Origin, perhaps by Friday.

The rumour mill has the Warriors' other target, Ruben Wiki, leaning towards England.

Mark Tookey and Vince Mellars flew out today for Castleford and Cronulla respectively. Mellars is expected to play reserve grade for the Sharks this weekend.

Henry Fa'afili is the only player dropped from the team who beat the Eels and rumour persists that he will go to England. Shannon Stowers was not considered because of a pectoral muscle tear. Sione Faumuina comes back from suspension.

Cronulla coach Stuart McRae is expected to name halfback Brett Kimorley and fullback David Peachey and will give both until game-day to prove their fitness, Kimmorley having missed two games with a hamstring tear and Peachey five with a quadricep tear.

The Warriors have plenty of money in their signings kitty and will still be cashed up after signing Price, and even Wiki. Gone from 2003 are Logan Swann, Motu Tony, John Carlaw, Jeremiah Pai and Dallas Rennie, with Ali Lauitiiti, Danny Sullivan, Tookey and Mellars following mid-season this year and Justin Murphy said to be on the outer. The only comings have been Tony Martin and Matt Jobson.

Teams for the match at Cronulla on Saturday, 9.30pm (NZ time):

Warriors: Brent Webb, Justin Murphy, Tony Martin, Clinton Toopi, Jerome Ropati, Lance Hohaia, Stacey Jones, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Monty Betham (c), Richard Villasanti, Sione Faumuina, Awen Guttenbeil, Vinnie Anderson. Interchange from: Karl Temata, Wairangi Koopu, Epalahame Lauaki, Evarn Tuimavave, Louis Anderson.

Sharks (likely side) : David Peachey, David Simmons, Nigel Vagana, Ryan McGoldrick, Matt Reick, Matt Hilder, Brett Kimmorley, Jason Stevens, Michael Sullivan, Danny Nutley, Sam Isemonger, Paul Gallen, Phil Bailey. Interchange from: Chris Beattie, Andrew Lomu, Matt Bickerstaff, Nathan Merritt, Daniel Dumas.

- NZPA