KEY POINTS:
The Warriors are close to settling their roster for 2009 and it is likely to be confirmed today that the balancing of the books required to meet the salary cap will usher in the end of the NRL career of warhorse Ruben Wiki.
The 16-year veteran of the
Aussie premiership and world test appearance record holder, age 35, will not be re-signed in any capacity for 2009.
Also to be released by the club once their current contracts expire are 10-year Warrior Wairangi Koopu, fellow backrower Logan Swann, wing Michael Crockett who has been two years at the club and centre Ryan Shortland who was on a one-year deal.
Swann, 33, has played 181 games for the Warriors in two stints, 1997-2003 and 2007-2008 and sits second behind Stacey Jones (238) on the club's all-time appearances list. Koopu, 28, ranks fourth with 158 games.
Both he and Swann wish to play on in the English Super League, Koopu advising the club he was considering that option some time ago. Swann came back from Hull in 2007 on a one-year deal that was extended. "They've both given the club fantastic service over a long period and we'd love to see them doing well in England next year," said club CEO Wayne Scurrah.
Wiki has previously expressed an intention to wind up his first-grade league career in Super League.
But clearly this season is taking a toll on him, with niggling injury and aggravation of old rib cartilage problems, to the point where he must be reconsidering. Certainly, he has nothing left to prove on the field.
Meanwhile, recent good performances have secured a future in Auckland for former Roosters back Aidan Kirk who has played fullback, left and right wing and centre this season.
Kirk, 22, was signed for two years but spent much of 2007 recovering from knee surgery.
He made his NRL debut in round one against the Storm in Melbourne in March and after being dropped back to reserves has performed solidly since his recall, even when the team has not. His contract has been extended through 2009, with an option for 2010.
That brings the number of re-signings to seven, including captain Steve Price, 34, whose contract was extended through 2009, wing Manu Vatuvei who has been secured through 2011 and injured fullback Wade McKinnon, likewise.
Three of the club's most exciting young players have had their contracts upgraded, Sonny Fai, 20, who has nine NRL games behind him, Russell Packer, 18, with five top-grade games and Ben Matulino, 19, who made his debut against the Sharks in Cronulla last weekend, the club's 142nd first-grade player. The club has also signed Brisbane wing Denan Kemp, 21, on a two-year contract.
When Wiki goes to the interchange bench for a break on Sunday his place against the Eagles will be taken by another Warrior who could push on to similar longevity in the game. Sam Rapira, just 21, will play his 50th game since debut in 2006. The apprentice couldn't have had a better master.