NRL: Warriors and Bulldogs negotiating player swap

Raymond Faitala-Mariner is set to join the Canterbury Bulldogs. Photo / Getty

The Warriors are negotiating to release one of their promising young back-rowers in a swap arrangement that will see Raymond Faitala-Mariner join the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The deal would bring 21-year-old Bulldogs rookie forward Shaun Lane to Mt Smart in a straight swap for Faitala-Mariner.

Lane has reportedly been granted a release from the Des Hasler coached-side to sign a one year deal with the Warriors, with an option to extend his contract term beyond that.

However, the departure of Faitala-Mariner, who is off contract at the end of the season, is yet to be confirmed and Warriors recruitment manager Tony Iro confirmed the 22-year-old is still to agree to terms with the Bulldogs.

"We're trying to sort a possible deal but there's no confirmation of anything done yet," said Iro.

"We're trying to come to an arrangement with both parties.

"Until we have signatures on paper all they are at the moment are just negotiations, so I can't confirm anything at the moment."

Despite reports that the trade will be formalised in the next 24 hours, Iro said there was no rush.

"The June 30 (player transfer) deadline is a long way away so I don't think anyone is in any major hurry.

"When there's two parties involved and two footy teams involved they've just got to get the process done correctly. So there's no sense of urgency, put it that way."

Hasler has been a fan of Faitala-Mariner for some time and tried unsuccessfully to lure the Otahuhu Leopards junior to Belmore during the off-season.

The wide-running ball-player has impressed in 12 NRL games since debuting against the Gold Coast in round 10 last year.

However, he has managed only one appearance so far this season, and has not been sighted in the top grade after being dropped following the Warriors' round two defeat to Brisbane.

"Raymond has got his reasons too and obviously it's been well known that Des Hasler has had a liking for Ray for a long time," said Iro.

"Sometimes it just comes down to opportunities at the right time, so if we can get both parties to agree then it might be good for both."

Lane burst on to the scene last year and was touted as a future Origin star after scoring five tries in 14 matches for the Bulldogs.

The Cronulla junior stands 1.98 metres tall and weighs in at 110kgs, but this year has been unable to force his way into the Canterbury pack, with his path blocked by the likes of Tony Williams and bench forward Adam Elliott.