NRL: One berth only in club of two halves

Stacey Jones and Nathan Fien will combine in the halves for today's match against the Cowboys. Photo / Getty Images

Stacey Jones and Nathan Fien are competing for one spot at the Warriors next season.

Both halves are off contract at the end of 2009 but the Warriors can afford to re-sign only one and will make that decision in the coming weeks.

They will get another look at the two today when the Warriors host the Cowboys at Mt Smart Stadium. Jones will start at halfback, while Fien will slot in at five-eighth.

Fien had been expected to take up a three-year deal with Huddersfield in the UK Super League but turned this down last month because of changes to the tax laws and rules around third-party payments.

His preference is to stay in the NRL, and with the Warriors. His agent, Jim Banaghan, said there was no shortage of interest in the 29-year-old.

"Other NRL clubs had offered contracts for three years," said Banaghan, who met Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah on Friday. "Nathan hasn't closed the door on the Warriors.

"The Warriors were under the impression they had to offer three years or don't bother but that's not the case. They will return with an offer and Nathan would like to see what the club put to him.

"The Warriors have said they are going forward with Stacey or Nathan but won't go forward with both of them."

Scurrah said they weren't ready to decide on their halves combination for 2010 but would have a clearer picture by round 13 when clubs can officially start approaching players off contract.

"We are assessing where we are with our senior halves," Scurrah said. "We haven't entered discussions with Stacey or Nathan yet.

"Stacey always wanted to see how the year went before he made a decision and we are only one-third of the way through. We are still letting him settle in and are in no immediate rush."

Jones has been brilliant at times this season, like his starring roles in the wins over the Sea Eagles and Roosters, but has struggled to impose himself at crucial times.

Fien is traditionally a slow starter and was ousted from his favoured No 7 jersey by Jones but has since taken over from Joel Moon at five-eighth.

Scurrah said fans shouldn't expect a swag of newcomers in 2010. They had already re-signed Steve Price, Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Lance Hohaia, Ian Henderson, Aaron Heremaia, Patrick Ah Van and Issac John.

"In all likelihood, we are looking for one or two players maximum from outside the club," he said.