KEY POINTS:
Todd Byrne could be forgiven for the odd dummy-spit given the way he has been bounced in and out of the Warriors this season.
In his third season at the club, Byrne has played just 11 games, coming in as injury cover for Wade McKinnon at fullback, for wingers when they've been injured and suspended and occasionally in the centres.
Otherwise, it's been off to the Auckland Lions. That might be cushier on the field but it's definitely not off it. The Lions flew on Saturday and Sunday mornings and played that day.
But there's been nothing petulant or sulky about Byrne. His shy smile has been as present as ever.
Byrne, 29, was told mid-season there was no room for him under the salary cap and advised to look elsewhere for 2008.
He has been but as yet nothing has eventuated. He holds nothing against the Warriors. "It's a salary cap decision, it's hard for them with the under-20s coming up next season."
He'd like a move back to hometown Sydney but is also looking at England.
But now his focus is on seeing out the season with the Warriors. He's not hoping for injuries but he wants a run.
He's given his all for the Lions to try to force his way back to top grade, something coaching staff have noticed.
"Going up and down between grades is something that's not ideal for me, I'd like to be consistently in the team, I think it helps my game," says Byrne.
"But my main thing is not to let anyone down. I want to be as ready as I can be so I can give it my best when I get the call-up. Hopefully, whoever I replace, people don't notice too much."
Byrne has playoff experience with the Roosters where he played from 2000-2004.
In 2003, he was in the grand-final team beaten 18-6 by Penrith after the Warriors were eliminated and, in 2004, he was the Roosters reserve grade grand-final team. So he's handy back-up for the big games coming.
He'd like to see the team do well in the playoffs and says the experience will stand the club in good stead for the future, no matter how far they get.
"It's been four long years for the club to get back into the finals since 2003, there's been some down times. I'd like to see some good results for the old boys and the young ones."
