League: Guttenbeil free to seek new deal at other clubs

Awen Guttenbeil

Long-serving New Zealand Warriors backrower Awen Guttenbeil is being allowed to approach other NRL clubs for his next contract.

Guttenbeil, 30, who is off contract at the end of this season, asked the Warriors' management this week whether he could talk to Australian clubs after being granted an earlier request to sound out English Super League clubs.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said discussions had been on-going with Guttenbeil about his future.

"As a player who has done so much for the Warriors, Awen deserves the chance to be able to consider all options before making a decision," he said.

"We have no issues with him talking to clubs as he resolves what he wants to do."

Guttenbeil made his 157th first-grade appearance for the club in Saturday night's 34-12 victory over 2005 premiers Wests Tigers.

After making his debut in 1996, he has been granted a testimonial this season, his 11th.

"This club's important to me and it has done a lot for me," Guttenbeil said.

"My contract ends this year but neither the club nor I have decided what to do yet.

"I want to know what all of my options are first so I can make an informed decision.

"I appreciate the club allowing me to talk to clubs in England and Australia."

Meanwhile, goalkicking centre Tony Martin yesterday signed a new one-year contract with the Warriors until the end of 2007.

Martin, who is scheduled to make his 100th NRL first-grade appearance on Saturday against Cronulla in Sydney, joined the club on a three-year deal in 2004.

A grand final winner with Melbourne in 1999, Martin, 27, has completed a comeback this year from neck surgery after missing all but two matches in the Warriors' campaign last year.

He is the fifth player signed by the Warriors on a new or extended contract in the past four weeks.

Martin's signing comes after the club secured wingers Manu Vatuvei and Misi Taulapapa, centre Simon Mannering and halfback Grant Rovelli on new deals.

- NZPA