NRL: Friend close to deciding future

Nathan Friend pulled off a remarkable try assist on Sunday but he won't be at the Warriors next year to provide anymore highlight moments. Photo / Getty

Nathan Friend has revealed he's close to deciding his future after it was announced he would be leaving the Warriors last week.

The 34-year-old hooker is looking for a new club and he's been linked with a move to his former club Gold Coast Titans.

He played there for four years before joining the Warriors in 2012 but he remains tight lipped about his next move.

His acrobatics on Sunday grabbed everyone's attention as his back flip pass became a global sensation on social media.

"I thought I might have something by the end of this week and fingers cross I do. I'm always a glass half full guy and I just need to keep performing on the pitch and letting people know that 34 isn't too old."

"I'm a one year specialist but I've been here a few years now and I'm enjoying my football. My family life is fantastic and that certainly helps with everything else that you do. We've got a great club and a great team so it's a really enjoyable place to be."

Friend didn't rule out a move to the UK to play in the Super League and he said it was an ambition he had a few years ago before moving to New Zealand.

"If nothing pops up here then yeah for sure - it's obviously a chance for me to go over there. The wife is the one who steers the ship at home and she said if I really want to go over there, it would be a good experience for the family. We'll see what comes up."

His son believes that Friend has now become famous, after his back flip pass went viral earlier this week, and he said he's been enjoying the response on social media.

"They're used to seeing me on TV but the youngest one came in and said you're famous Dad! You've got 19 million comments.

"There's been a few good memes. You don't want to get too carried away but it's nice to see your face being photoshopped a few times.

"I've played over 200 games and I'll probably be remembered for this. I've made like a million tackles and if this is what my career comes down to, I'm happy to take it.

His teammates have also been enjoying the extra media attention Friend has received, as the Warriors now find themselves fourth in the NRL ladder ahead of the final charge for the play-offs.

"They've all been quite supportive actually. The assistant coach got a few images and a few videos of midgets jumping around because he thought it would be funny to play it in front of the team.

"The team around me has increased and it's been great but we're under no illusions. Our defence needs stiffening up still but as a whole the team's gone well."