NRL: Warriors keep tabs on Inu

Krisnan Inu's contract with the Parramatta Eels finishes at the end of the 2010 season. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors want to sign up Parramatta's Krisnan Inu as the NRL club continue their search for an outside back for next season.

The return of Timana Tahu to the Eels from rugby union means Parramatta have a wealth of talent at the back and out wide.

The suspicion is that could create difficulties under the salary cap, with the need to foot wages for the likes of Jarryd Hayne, Eric Grothe jnr, Joel Reddy and Luke Burt.

If that happens and Inu, who was injured late last season and missed most of Parramatta's thrilling run to the playoffs, becomes available, the Warriors would be interested.

The situation is reinforced by the need of NRL clubs to create a buffer so they can bolster the ranks to cover injury problems or if they have to pay bonuses for representative duty.

Inu is off contract at the end of next season. He is seen as an excellent recruit, not only for his ability but also his Kiwis connections which could bring extra fans to games.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah explains the rationale: "He's the type of player we're looking for and we're aware he's off contract at the end of 2010. In terms of a time frame, we've made some inquiries - it doesn't look like there are any opportunities this year but we're still interested if circumstances change."

Inu is regarded as an 'X-factor' player, strong at both fullback and wing and with consistent goal-kicking.

But Scurrah has ruled out a loan arrangement if a strong Inu season meant they'd have to offload him again at the end.

"We wouldn't want him to have a stellar year and then have to hand him back. It's not a good look. If we can't convince the club to release him now, we'd look to the following season."

The Warriors had shown previous interest in goalkicking wing and fullback Burt who has since re-signed with the 2009 grand finalists.

Even though the club is believed to have salary cap cash to play with, Scurrah has stressed the need for quality rather than just making up the numbers.

"If we're looking at adding to the 2010 squad, it's on the basis the person will be better than what we've already got," he said. "We've got a reasonable amount of depth but some of it is inexperienced."

The Warriors do have some advantages on the player value-for-money scale. It's understood talented rookie Shaun Johnson will cost relatively little as his contract goes through until 2012.

Kevin Locke has also re-signed - he's also in the early stages of the salary curve.

There had been talk in league circles that the Warriors would not be disappointed if Wade McKinnon went elsewhere.

The fullback had a dip in form after a standout first season in 2007 before he needed a knee reconstruction. Scurrah has been quick to dampen down such talk.

"It's unfounded. There's been no discussion about him leaving, he's training exceptionally well and we're looking forward to a big season from him. But he's aware that we're looking for improvement from him, just like everyone in the club, including myself."

However, there's no guarantee McKinnon will be the first choice fullback with Locke in such hot pursuit.

"There's room for him to adapt," says Scurrah. "I'd say all positions are open and Wade's got as much chance of playing fullback as anyone else."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY