League: Berrigan chooses 'real deal'

Shaun Berrigan. Photo / Supplied

Queenslander Shaun Berrigan revealed he joined the Warriors for his NRL homecoming because he sees them as a real premiership threat.

The 2006 Clive Churchill Medal winner signed a one-year deal with the club last week after gaining a release from English club Hull FC, and should prove a pivotal acquisition.

Berrigan was named in a list of the Brisbane Broncos' best 20 players for their first 20 years and ranks as one of the most gifted allrounders to have played in the NRL.

The 32-year-old is proficient at hooker, centre and in the halves, and his experience and tenacity will be a major boost for the potentially brilliant, but often inconsistent Warriors.

Despite exiting in the first week of the finals last year, Ivan Cleary's side made major strides in 2010, playing better at away games and developing some exciting young talent.

Cleary swooped to sign Berrigan once it became known the former test star wanted to return to the Southern Hemisphere to be closer to his mother and family in Queensland.

Berrigan opted for Auckland ahead of interest from his home state and is confident he can repay his new coach's faith by helping to guide the Warriors to a maiden grand final win.

"The Warriors are a top-eight team and I thought they'd be the best match for me," said Berrigan.

"The Warriors are a good up-and-coming side and they've got a good young bunch of kids.

"The Warriors 10 years ago, people used to say you can get them in the last 10 minutes of matches. But these boys are very fit and very fast so it's exciting to be a part of."

Berrigan was also one of the game's fittest players when he departed for Hull FC at the end of 2007, and maintained his good condition in the Super League.

As injuries are inevitable in long campaigns, Berrigan's versatility will be an asset for the Warriors.

- AAP