NRL: Friend signs with the Warriors

Nathan Friend. Photo / Getty Images

Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend has signed with the Warriors for a two-year contract with an option for 2014.

Warriors recruitment manager Dean Bell said the 30-year-old's signing represented a significant breakthrough for the Vodafone Warriors.

"We're really pleased to be able to secure a player of the highest quality in such a key position," he said.

"It's not often anyone rated as one of the best in a specialist role becomes available on the market. Such players are usually well tied up, so for us to get someone as talented as Nathan is a real achievement."

Regarded as one of the game's most durable players, Friend made 56 consecutive appearances for the Titans to the end of last season.

A fitness fanatic, Friend is an 80-minute player who last season averaged 42 tackles a game.

He's ranked among the top six dummy half players in the NRL.

His impending signing puts pressure on incumbent hooker Aaron Heremaia and back up Shaun Berrigan with the club likely to retain the much younger Alehana Mara as their number two dummy half option for next season.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZ HERALD STAFF