NRL: Warriors star David Fusitu'a given second chance as coach Nathan Brown eyes risky signing

David Fusitu'a could yet be part of the Warriors' first grade set up in 2022.

After hardly playing this season, mainly due to a problematic hamstring injury, it seemed likely that the winger would seek new pastures.

The Warriors have some depth in the outside backs, with Marcelo Montoya and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak establishing themselves on the flanks this season.

That seemed to leave Fusitu'a – who is the club's longest serving player – on the outer.

The 26-year-old has been at the Warriors since 2014, with 108 first grade games in that time.

But he has been a peripheral figure in the last two seasons, with just five matches this season and seven in 2020, for various reasons.

Fusitu'a is currently contracted until the end of the 2023 campaign, but it was starting to appear that a move could be best for player and club.

But things may have changed.

Fusitu'a made a successful playing return for the Redcliffe Dolphins last month, and has recently had positive meetings with the Warriors hierarchy, including coach Nathan Brown.

It's believed that Brown made it clear that the former Kiwis international is a big part of his plans in 2022, if he can get back to his best form.

It would be an undoubted boost.

David Fusitu'a warming up before a game. Photo / Photosport

Fusitu'a was once regarded as one of the top wingers in the NRL.

After making his debut in 2014, Fusitu'a improved ever year, culminating in a sensational 2018 campaign, where he topped the NRL try scoring charts (23).

At that stage of his career he had 55 tries from 80 games (0.69), then the best strike rate in the club's history.

He hasn't got anywhere near that since, with six tries in 28 games across the last three seasons. There has been mitigating factors, with injuries, positional switches and changing personnel.

Fusitu'a particularly missed the invention and spark of Shaun Johnson – as the two had a unique understanding – and could benefit from the playmaker's return next season.

Johnson's arrival won't be the only new addition in the halves, as the club seek to add depth.

Chanel Harris-Tavita has been a long term project, and the 22 year-old now has 37 NRL appearances under his belt.

But Harris-Tavita has had injury problems this season, playing only 11 games, while Johnson has managed 18, 16 and 10 matches respectively in his three seasons at the Sharks, which mean the Warriors need more cover.

Kodi Nikorima is a logical option, but his form tailed off in 2021 and Brown appears to see him as a hooker or bench utility option.

It's also unlikely that Nikorima will be at the club beyond next season.

Ash Taylor of the Titans. Photo / Getty

That's why the club have engaged in talks with former Titan Ash Taylor. Once regarded as one of the best young halves in the game, Taylor has gone downhill in recent seasons, and also struggled with some off-field issues.

Currently unsigned for 2022, Taylor would be a cut price deal, probably at a quarter of his mega salary (around $1 million) at the Gold Coast.

The 26-year-old has valuable experience, with 115 NRL games, but he would be a gamble. His career has been on a downward trajectory over the last two seasons and he has also had injury problems.

The Warriors would have to be confident Taylor would be the right fit for their culture and more importantly judge that he could somehow rediscover his best form.

They will also need to manage the expectations of Harris-Tavita, who is desperate to establish himself as a front line playmaker.