KEY POINTS:
Sione Faumuina might be handed an NRL lifeline, with the Gold Coast Titans set to offer him a contract, but his manager has washed his hands of the player.
The 25-year-old has been at the centre of controversy for much of his career culminating in August with the termination of his Warriors contract a year early after serious alcohol-related incidents.
Three weeks ago, he walked out on a three-year deal with UK Super League side London Harlequins, citing "family reasons".
Despite saying he was needed by his mother and two siblings, who live on the Gold Coast, he first visited Auckland where his girlfriend, Silver Fern Temepara George, lives. He is now said to be on the Gold Coast.
There was widespread doubt in league circles about whether another club would come in for the ball-playing back-rower but the Titans don't appear to be put off by his disciplinary record.
"The Gold Coast Titans have expressed interest in gaining the services of Sione to his manager. However, at this stage only preliminary discussions have been held," Titans spokesman Jason Sintome confirmed. "As it stands, the club would be looking at an incentive-based agreement."
It seems, however, that manager Peter Brown has lost patience with Faumuina and has withdrawn his services after not having heard from the player.
"I'm not acting for him any more," Brown said. "I still haven't heard from him [since he returned from the UK]."
Faumuina has not been far from the headlines this year after he drunkenly abused Ivan Cleary, Brian McClennan and Ruben Wiki at Awen Guttenbeil's testimonial luncheon. The final straw for the Warriors was another tirade in front of fans after their last game of the season.
The Titans, who have already been at the centre of contract controversies involving Mat Rogers and Steve Turner, will make their NRL debut against the Dragons on March 18.
New NZRL director Tony Kemp will be joined by Sir Ron Scott and Ken Laban in a search for a new convenor of selectors for the Kiwis.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
