NRL: Warriors recruit Berrigan

The signing of Shaun Berrigan seems to complete the Warriors 2011 roster. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors roster for 2011 appears complete with the signing of former Australian and Queensland utility Shaun Berrigan.

The 32-year-old had been linked with the Titans and Cowboys but the Auckland club were always favourites for his signature once Hull released him from the final year of his contract for personal reasons. Berrigan has inked a one year deal with an option on 2012.

Former Manly halfback Matt Orford, who has long been coveted by the Warriors, is without a club after failing to agree terms with Bradford but Canberra appears the likely destination for his NRL return.

The much-decorated Berrigan adds valuable experience to the squad, with his 186 NRL matches surpassed only by Micheal Luck (194) among the current Warriors team, and he has played centre, five-eighth, halfback and hooker at representative level.

"Shaun brings great experience and some real mental toughness to our team, making him a great addition," said coach Ivan Cleary.

While at the Broncos (1999- 2007), where he was surrounded by superstars, Berrigan was regarded as one of the most underrated performers in the NRL. He made his name as a nuggety centre with a turn of pace and was later used in the halves by Wayne Bennett.

Bennett switched him to hooker in 2006 and, much like Darren Lockyer's move from fullback to five-eighth, it was a masterstroke. Despite being only 1.78m and 87kg, he revelled in the No. 9 jersey and was a key figure in the Broncos' late season charge.

Indeed, his 80m solo try against the Bulldogs in the semifinal sparked an unlikely comeback from 20-6 down (the third biggest in NRL playoff history) and was probably the single most important act in their eventual title-winning season.

Berrigan was also man of the match in the decider against the Storm, where he played dummy half on attack and then parked himself in the centres on defence, shutting down Greg Inglis completely.

The Australian said he "loved his time" with Hull but wanted to be closer to his mother and family, after his father Barry died last year.

"I'm excited about moving to Auckland to join the Warriors and having another opportunity to play in the NRL."

Berrigan played 74 matches for Hull and was player of the year in his debut season. He has struggled for form in the past two years, affected by regular positional changes and a recurring shoulder injury.

Cleary said: "I'm not concerned about his age. He told me he has done the hardest off-season in three or four years and he has always been one of the fittest players around. I think his age actually helps at a club like ours.

"We will probably look to use him at hooker primarily but he is a good option at centre and that was part of his appeal. They are two positions we need some cover in. He doesn't seem to have a positional preference. He is quite happy to play anywhere."

Berrigan could also back up in the halves, which feature his former Broncos team-mate Brett Seymour.