KEY POINTS:
The speculation that has Ruben Wiki retiring earlier than he'd previously stated is on the money but don't expect the Warriors vice-captain to throw in the towel just yet.
Wiki started the season well but a series of injuries including the recent re-inflammation of an old rib-cartilage tear has stifled his ability on the field and tested his resolve. He's keeping quiet but it's known he no longer has the drive for another two seasons in Super League in England, as he had projected at the start of this year.
He turned 35 in January and finally the testing demands of the NRL are catching up with the old warhorse.
A meeting between Warriors management and Wiki's agent Jim Banaghan this week should not be read as a signal he is on the way out any time soon, said club chief executive Wayne Scurrah.
"Firstly, this meeting was agreed some weeks ago. He [Banaghan] has six players at the club," said Scurrah yesterday. "Secondly, Ruben is on a contract for the rest of the year and he and the club are committed to that contract. We recognise that he has had a series of niggles and that has proved difficult for him this season."
But he said the one thing the management had never done - and wouldn't start on - was "telling Ivan [coach Cleary] who to pick in the team". And, barring injury, Wiki was still earning his place week to week. While Wiki's mentoring of younger Warriors will always be welcomed at Mt Smart, there is no guarantee of an immediate ongoing future for him at the club. "He indicated he'll be going to the UK for a couple of years and we said when he came back we'd try and fit him in," Scurrah said.
"There has to be a role available. Running a club is bloody expensive."
