League: Betham released to play for Wakefield

Monty Betham

Monty Betham has been released by the New Zealand Warriors so he can move to Wakefield Trinity in the British Super League on a two-year contract.

The former club captain had one year left in his contract with the Warriors.

But the club decided to clear him for the switch.

Betham, the former captain, leaves after seven seasons studded with serious knee and arm injuries.

He has missed more than two full seasons worth of games because of his ailments - twice requiring a full knee reconstruction.

His first serious knee injury came in just the second game with the club in 1999, the other in 2002.

In 2001 he broke an ankle while last year, as captain, he missed 11 weeks after breaking his arm.

Betham has played 101 games since his debut in 1999, but the 27-year-old was also plagued with suspensions during the past three seasons after numerous brushes with the judiciary.

Betham, wing Francis Meli, who is going to St Helens, Iafeta Paleaaesina, who signed with Wigan, and Tevita Latu (Cronulla) were to be farewelled at the team's annual awards presentation last night, along with halfback Stacey Jones, who has signed with UTC Perpignan.

Mangere-bred Ruben Wiki won the player of the year award, which is voted on by team members.

The 32-year-old led the metre-gain statistics all season.

Jones was the Sky TV viewer's choice as player. He received a life membership ring from the club for his 11 seasons' service, a total of 238 games.

The rookie of the year was Wellington teenager Simon Mannering.

Club man of the year, for services from a volunteer went to Terry Baker, who is the team's travel manager.