League: Koopu not ready to fly the coop

Wairangi Koopu is happy at the Warriors but hasn't ruled out a move overseas in the future. Picture / Dean Purcell

Wairangi Koopu is expected to put pen to paper this week on a new deal to keep him at the Warriors for three years.

The second-rower tested the market in the UK to see what interest there was in him. Although tempted, Koopu's decided to stick with the Auckland-based club.

"I think we're just about done," Koopu said of contract talks with the Warriors.

"I haven't signed yet but I'm pretty happy, the club is happy and my manager is happy.

" I'm just waiting for my manager to get back from the UK to work out the details. I really want to strive for another grand final and keep pushing for Kiwis selection. I still think the NRL is the best competition in the world."

Koopu has been in sparkling form this season and last night against the Sharks brought up a personal milestone when he played his 100th game for the Warriors.

He would now love to follow in the footsteps of Stacey Jones and bring up a double ton of games for the club he first joined as a 15-year-old.

One thing that could get in his way, however, is the lure of playing and travelling overseas - and his girlfriend could have a say in this.

"I was tempted to make a move," Koopu explained. "I'm 25 and wouldn't mind getting out and having a look around. My girlfriend is also getting tired of being my girlfriend and might be looking at marriage and kids in the future, and she's keen to get out and about too. But there's still plenty of time to play overseas."

As well as being one of the form second rowers of the competition, one thing that makes Koopu an even more attractive proposition for UK sides is the fact he has a British passport.

Considering both his mother and grandfather are English, Koopu would qualify to play in the UK Super League as a local.

Koopu last night became the second Warrior this season to join the 100 club and the eighth in the club's history. Although he made his NRL debut against the Storm in 1999, it wasn't until this season that Koopu, who has played three tests for the Kiwis, became a regular starter for the Warriors.

"It's a huge milestone for me and it's something I'll look back on with pride," he said.

"Going from 50 to 100 games went pretty quickly.

"The highlight was the grand final and playing with and against class players like Stacey Jones and now Steve Price and Ruben Wiki.

"The low point was definitely last season [when we finished second last]. Even though I got the player of the year award last year, it's still a sore point for me."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY