League: Ata Hingano released by Warriors

Ata Hingano. Photosport

While the Warriors are celebrating the signing of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, they've let another young player go.

Five-eighth Ata Hingano has been released by the club on the eve of the 2018 season, Warriors chief executive Cameron George confirmed.

It's expected Hingano will join the Canberra Raiders.

George told the Radio Sport Breakfast that Hingano had a view that Blake Green was standing in his way for game time.

"Ata obviously had a view with the Blake Green signing that it might have impeded in his pathway forward. We certainly didn't believe that. We thought it would benefit Ata's longterm future. But in the end of the day we just want Ata to be happy. He sought that release and it's been granted. We wish him all the best. He's been a wonderful contributor to the club," George said.

George believes they have the depth in the squad to cover his departure.

Hingano was forced to wait behind Kieran Foran last year, with his opportunities expected to be limited again this year behind new signing Green.

His future was again speculated in the off-season but had been active in pre-season training and trials with the Warriors.

In October his agent Peter Brown told the Herald they would be disappointed if the club signed Green from Manly.

"If he is going to be third or fourth wheel then he might as well look elsewhere," Brown said.

Hingano has played 15 games for the Warriors and was a member of the Tongan side that stunned New Zealand to reach the Rugby League World Cup semifinals.