Krisnan Inu is gone and maybe exposes the Warriors' depth - but don't expect any high profile signings in lieu of his move to the Bulldogs.
As a player who could cover wing, fullback and centre, he offered great utility value and his departure could leave a gap in those positions if further injuries occur, especially as Jerome Ropati is now also out of the picture. But the club has faith in their current stocks and coach Brian McClennan has regularly talked of the potential in youngsters such as Carlos Tuimavave and Ivan Penehe.
For Inu, the writing was on the wall after not making the 17 for the round one clash with Manly at Eden Park. Despite apparently being offered a clean slate by McClennan weeks after he took over, when the new coach said he would disregard his indifferent displays during 2011 under Ivan Cleary, he failed to impress during pre-season training and trials. Two NRL novices (Ben Henry and Konrad Hurrell) were instead preferred in the centres. He got 20 minutes against Parramatta in round two but was not sighted again until five weeks later against Souths.
The Herald on Sunday understands that in this intervening period, Inu was given permission to negotiate with other clubs, with a view to him departing for the 2013 season if he could find an interested suitor.
It was against this backdrop that the Warriors pursued - and snared - Dane Nielsen, sealing Inu's fate. In the meantime, the Bulldogs had agreed terms for 2013 but their recent injury crisis in their outside backs led to their request for an immediate transfer. It was apparently implied that if this was not granted, it could jeopardise the overall deal.