NRL: McKinnon leaves Warriors for Tigers

Wade McKinnon has yet to regain the form which made him one of the NRL's most potent attacking players. Photo / Greg Bowker

New Zealand Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon has been granted an immediate release to join fellow National Rugby League club the Wests Tigers, the Warriors confirmed in a statement tonight.

The Warriors were approached by McKinnon's manager Alan Gainey this week seeking a release from his contract which was due to end after the 2011 NRL season.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said McKinnon, 29, wanted to leave immediately to take up a new contract with the Tigers.

"We were committed to Wade staying with us for the rest of his contract but he wants to play first-grade football regularly and recently he hasn't been able to do that here with Lance Hohaia firmly established at fullback in our NRL side," Scurrah said.

"Wade has made a great contribution to the club since joining us for the 2007 season and we appreciate the effort he has put in.

"But given the request for the release, the fact he hasn't been playing for the Warriors recently and the opportunity he has with Wests Tigers, we have agreed to give him the opportunity to move on earlier than planned.

"Everyone at the club wishes him all the best for the future."

Scurrah added that McKinnon was free to link up with the Tigers on the condition he wouldn't be considered to play for his new club against the Warriors in Sydney on Friday.

A dynamic attacker whose temper occasionally got the better of him on the field, McKinnon played 54 NRL matches for the Warriors and missed most of the 2008 season with a serious knee injury.

"It's sad leaving. I've loved my time here with the players, the staff and also living in Auckland but I have a real desire to play a lot more first-grade football," he said in the Warriors' statement.

"I'm really thankful to the Warriors for everything they've done for me and wish the club all the best for the future. I'll still be taking an interest in what's happening here."

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said McKinnon would always hold a special place in the club's history.

"His form when he first arrived in 2007 was exceptional and I can honestly say I haven't seen a better try live at a ground than the one Wade scored against Penrith that year. It was unbelievable," he said.

"The thing about Wade is that he always gave you everything he had when he played. I hope everything turns out well for him in the future."

McKinnon has now played a total of 131 NRL matches, the first 77 for Parramatta (2004-06) and South Sydney (2002-03).

He has scored 40 tries, 16 of them for the Warriors.

- NZPA