Krisnan Inu. Photo / Getty Images
Krisnan Inu is gone and maybe exposes the Warriors' depth - but don't expect any high profile signings in lieu of his move to the Bulldogs.
As a player who could cover wing, fullback and centre, he offered great utility value and his departure could leave a gap in those positions if further injuries occur, especially as Jerome Ropati is now also out of the picture. But the club has faith in their current stocks and coach Brian McClennan has regularly talked of the potential in youngsters such as Carlos Tuimavave and Ivan Penehe.
For Inu, the writing was on the wall after not making the 17 for the round one clash with Manly at Eden Park. Despite apparently being offered a clean slate by McClennan weeks after he took over, when the new coach said he would disregard his indifferent displays during 2011 under Ivan Cleary, he failed to impress during pre-season training and trials. Two NRL novices (Ben Henry and Konrad Hurrell) were instead preferred in the centres. He got 20 minutes against Parramatta in round two but was not sighted again until five weeks later against Souths.
The Herald on Sunday understands that in this intervening period, Inu was given permission to negotiate with other clubs, with a view to him departing for the 2013 season if he could find an interested suitor.
It was against this backdrop that the Warriors pursued - and snared - Dane Nielsen, sealing Inu's fate. In the meantime, the Bulldogs had agreed terms for 2013 but their recent injury crisis in their outside backs led to their request for an immediate transfer. It was apparently implied that if this was not granted, it could jeopardise the overall deal.
It was not an ideal situation for the Warriors, who could yet get caught short in the backline with 13 regular season games ahead of them. This was discussed at Mt Smart headquarters before eventually the release was rubber-stamped by Brian McClennan. The terms of the deal are undisclosed, but it is believed that the Warriors will continue to pay a portion (described as minimal) of his wages for the rest of this season, before the full Bulldogs contract kicks in in 2013. He was understood to be one of the bigger earners at the Auckland club - on between $200,000-$300,000. Though the Sydney club has money to spend, with numerous players off contract at the end of this season, Inu has probably taken a pay cut in the search for regular first grade football.
So what to make of Inu? One prominent league personality describes him as the "Bermuda Triangle" of league.
Always a man of few words, one lineon Thursday during his first Bulldogs press conference was particularly illuminating: "It is good to be back here [in Sydney]," he told Australian media.
"All my friends are here [and] the churches are here."
In terms of priorities, Inu has never appeared as someone who lives and breathes league, like many others in the NRL, and often appeared to have other things on his mind. In that way, perhaps he is similar to Ali Lauitiiti, the prodigiously talented former Warrior once labelled the Michael Jordan of league.
For periods during 2001 and 2002, he was untouchable, a huge blockbusting forward with incredible ball skills. But he was also a frustrating player to coach and 10 minutes of magic in a game could often be followed by 60 minutes of anonymity.
After being consigned to the bleachers following his error-ridden display against the Storm in round eight, Inu's final display on this side of the Tasman came with a touch of irony. Playing for the Vulcans at Birkenhead Domain, Inu received the ball with five minutes on the clock and his team trailing.
He produced a perfectly weighted chip and chase and sprinted away for the match-winning try - against the Bulldogs.
Five NRL coaches have so far failed to get the best out of Inu but don't be surprised if Des Hasler is the one to do it.