Warriors re-sign Vete, but Lillyman's future uncertain

Albert Vete during a Vodafone Warriors training session. Photo / www.photosport.nz

The Warriors have re-signed Albert Vete - but the future of one of their longest serving props remains up in the air.

The Auckland club have agreed terms on a new deal with the 24-year-old Vete, concluding negotiations that have been ongoing since the early rounds of the season.

It's positive news for the Tongan international, who is currently sidelined with a broken arm though may return to action next month.

But the future of Jacob Lillyman remains uncertain. The veteran front rower, who made his debut back in 2009, is yet to made a decision on his plans for next year and beyond.

It's believed the Warriors made an one year offer to Lillyman two months ago, but that offer was not taken up and is no longer on the table.

It's understood that Lillyman is also weighing up an contract offer from the Roosters, and has also had some interest from the English Super League.

Lillyman is settled in Auckland with his partner, having lived here for almost a decade.

It wouldn't be an easy decision to depart these shores, but the Queensland State of Origin representative also realises he is about to sign the last major contract of his career.

The Warriors recognise Lillyman's value.

He has given tremendous service and has been remarkably durable.

The 33-year-old has mostly avoided major injuries during his Auckland stint, averaging almost 21 games a season since 2009.

In the twilight of his career Lillyman has been one of the most consistent forwards at the club this year.

He's carried for an average of 111 metres per match (from 13 runs a game), both tallies only exceeded once before in his Warriors' career.

There's still a chance that Lillyman will be at Mt Smart in 2018, but the club are aware they need to get their front row mix exactly right next year.

They haven't over the past few seasons, which has been a contributing factor to their string of disappointing finishes since 2012.

Vete's retention looked unlikely a few months.

After starting the first three games of the season, Vete wasn't sighted in first grade for almost two months, as James Gavet, Sam Lisone and Ligi Sao moved ahead of him on the pecking order.

But Vete returned to action in round 12, and was impressive in the wins over the Broncos and Titans, as well as the narrow loss to Parramatta in Sydney.

Ultimately those performances - and his underlying potential - have convinced the club to invest in him for another two years, despite his untimely injury.

The club's front row stocks still look thin for 2018, with the departure of Ben Matulino (Tigers), Toaf Sipley (Manly) and the probable exit of Charlie Gubb, which is why the Warriors are actively seeking reinforcements in that area.