League: Guttenbeil signs up with Castleford

Awen Guttenbeil

Veteran forward Awen Guttenbeil will leave the New Zealand Warriors at the end of the National Rugby League (NRL) season and finish his playing career with English Super League club Castleford.

The 30-year-old second rower said he was pleased to have his future secured after signing a two-year contract with the Tigers last night.

Now in his 11th season with the Warriors, Guttenbeil has been awarded a testimonial by the club this year and marks it with a celebratory lunch on Thursday.

"The time just feels right for me to go to England with this being my testimonial season," Guttenbeil said today.

"I've got everything to thank the Vodafone Warriors for. This club has helped to make me who I am. I've grown up here and I've been through all sorts of good times and some not so good with the club.

Guttenbeil is the second player to announce his departure from the Auckland-based in the last 24 hours.

Centre Clinton Toopi has been granted an early release by the club to join another Super League side, Leeds.

Toopi, 26 and who has played 19 tests for the Kiwis, had been expected to link up with Leeds in 2007 after agreeing a three-year deal in May. But he has been released now.

Guttenbeil said he would be sad when it's over at the Warriors.

He had made his first-grade debut against North Sydney in 1996 and played his 164th match when the Warriors met Parramatta last Saturday.

No other forward has played more games for the club and Stacey Jones is the only other player to have spent at least 11 seasons with the Warriors.

Guttenbeil said he appreciated the Warriors co-operation to seek out a British club.

"I approached the club to ask whether I could sound out Super League clubs to see what might be available and I then asked whether I could check out NRL clubs as well. The Warriors also made me an offer and, in the end, I was able to make an informed decision," he said.

"While there was a chance to go to another NRL club, I really didn't want to be in a position where I was playing against the Warriors.

"I've ended up with the best deal and Tash and I are excited about heading to the English Super League for a couple of seasons.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the club was indebted to Guttenbeil.

"The contribution he has made to the club has been enormous. He represents everything we want players from this club to aspire to," Scurrah said.

"He has always been very open about his plans.'

Scurrah said the club was keen to have Guttenbeil involved when he finished his playing career.

A number of New Zealanders including Kiwis Tawera Nikau, Tony Kemp, Richie Blackmore and Frano Botica played for Castleford.

- NZPA