League: Sacked Warrior running out of chances

Misi Taulapapa has his sights set on getting back into the NRL saddle, with the Cowboys promising to run their eye over the disgraced winger.

The 24-year-old had his Warriors contract terminated last week for his fourth breach of discipline this year, all involving alcohol. But on Thursday he signed a 10-week contract with Queensland Cup side the Central Comets and was due to make his debut this weekend.

"They want me for next year but I'm keeping my options open in case an NRL club comes along," he explained. "I've been told I will also have a couple of sessions with the Cowboys so hopefully I can get back in there."

Convincing a coach of his talents might be the easy task; convincing those around him he can deal with alcohol maturely might be more difficult. "I will be on my best behaviour," Taulapapa promised.

The Warriors had hoped the youngster would have been on his best behaviour after they recently issued him with a final warning and those in league can only hope that Taulapapa finally learns from his mistakes.

"It was really unfortunate, for everyone," Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said solemnly.

"I don't think I have a drinking problem," Taulapapa insisted, "more a problem with knowing when to say 'yes' and when to say 'no'. Sometimes I get carried away."

He's accepted the Warriors' decision to terminate his contract but there is also a part of him that feels a little hard done by.

"I've seen a lot of other players do a lot worse," he offered. "It was pretty harsh," he also said. "The club is going through a lot of stress at the moment," he added.

The club, however, felt they were left with no alternative and it comes at a time when league players on both sides of the Tasman have been involved in a disturbingly high number of alcohol-related incidents that have cast a spectre over the game.

Last Friday, Taulapapa was supposed to go to the movies with a family member visiting from the UK. The pair like to catch up every year but instead of the movies, they took seats at a local bar.

It was a decision with grave consequences given his transgression came less than 48 hours before the Warriors were due to take on the Broncos. Taulapapa had turned up to training a "little under the weather" on the Saturday and was immediately withdrawn from Sunday's game.

"We missed the movie and had a few drinks," Taulapapa said. "It ended up being too many. It was a really bad decision and it cost me my future, at least with the Warriors."

Life seemed good for the lively winger who had made five appearances this season. He recently signed a contract extension for 2007, with an option for 2008, and had become a regular in the side after making his debut against the Rabbitohs in round seven.

For Taulapapa, the past week has been a time of reflection, a time to assess what he wants in life and a time to find out who his real friends are.

"My parents always told me that I give so much to my mates," he said. "They kept saying that my friends would always be there but when you get into the deepest trouble, it's funny how your friends aren't there."

Australia now represents a fresh start for Taulapapa and it's a chance he needs to take if he wants to get back into the NRL. There is a quiet determination about him but he needs to prove he is one leopard who can indeed change his spots.