The Warriors are close to re-signing rookie five-eighth Ata Hingano. Photo / Photosport.
The Warriors are close to re-signing rookie five-eighth Ata Hingano. Photo / Photosport.
The Warriors have kept rival clubs at bay and are on the verge of re-signing young five-eighth Ata Hingano on a long-term contract.
It's understood the 20-year-old playmaker is close to agreeing to a three-year deal that will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2020 season with confirmation expected in the coming days.
Hingano's imminent re-signing is expected despite a lucrative offer from Melbourne Storm as well as interest from the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos.
The five-game rookie is now first in line to replace Bulldogs-bound Kieran Foran in the Warriors No6 jersey next season and cement himself in the halves alongside star halfback Shaun Johnson.
The two-test Tongan international looked right at home in first grade when he filled in for Foran over the opening three rounds of the season, after two initial outings off the interchange bench late last year.
However, the youngster is not guaranteed the playmaking role, with the Warriors still considering whether to sign a more experienced five-eighth for next season.
The club believes Hingano's development would be accelerated playing behind a dominant forward pack and are looking to sign some big boppers to bolster their stocks up-front.
Wellington-born Storm giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Canterbury Bulldogs captain James Graham are both on the Warriors wish list, with the club remaining tight lipped about other forward recruitment prospects.
Initial talks between the Warriors and Asofa-Solomona's management are yet to progress, while Graham has another year to run on his current Bulldogs contract.
Should the Warriors fall short in their hopes of strengthening their pack they may increase their efforts to sign a more seasoned playmaker to help steer their attack.
The Warriors have expressed interest in luring Cronulla five-eighth James Maloney back for a second stint at Mt Smart, while they have also held preliminary talks with Penrith youngster Te Maire Martin.
The Warriors have expressed interest in bringing Cronulla five-eighth James Maloney back to Mt Smart. Photo / Photosport.
Maloney also has a year to run on his contract and is seeking an upgrade and extension from the Sharks, with his current deal below par for a representative player.
The NSW playmaker spent three seasons with the Warriors between 2010 and 2012, partnering Johnson in the halves during the Kiwis international's rookie season that saw the club make the grand final against Manly.
The Warriors will face plenty of competition for the 30-year-old veteran, with Newcastle, Melbourne and South Sydney all keen on drawing him away from Cronulla.
Martin also remains a potential signing target, but the 21-year-old is likewise contracted to the Panthers for another year and an early release would need to be negotiated.
Martin has not been sighted in first grade since round seven but has been included in Panthers coach Anthony Griffin's 21-man squad for Sunday's match against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
Hingano was initially named in coach Stephen Kearney's extended 21-man squad for tonight's NRL clash against Parramatta at ANZ Stadium, but will instead turn out in tomorrow's reserve grade match against Newcastle at Cessnock Sports Ground.
