NRL: Kemp wings it out of Warriors

Denan Kemp. Photo / Getty Images

Denan Kemp's miserable time at the Warriors looks as if it will soon be over with the winger on the verge of securing a deal for 2010 with a rival NRL club.

Big things were expected of the 22-year-old when he joined the Warriors, particularly after his dazzling form for the Broncos in 2008.

His 19 tries in 24 games saw him finish second behind Manly's Brett Stewart (22) on the NRL's try-scoring list.

But Kemp struggled from his first game of the season and his return of only one try in 10 games this year was not up to scratch. Even his goalkicking failed to live up to expectations with a barely acceptable 65.6 per cent (21 from 32) success rate.

Agent David Riolo asked the club in June if they would release Kemp if he found another contract. Sources in Australia yesterday confirmed the former Bronco was likely to be signed in coming days.

One destination could be the Bulldogs, with Kemp touted as a possible successor to Hazem El Masri, who will retire at the end of the season after 14 years and more than 300 games for the club. A return to the Broncos is another option.

Riolo could not be contacted for comment.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said Kemp remained a Warriors player but that "some things were progressing". He declined to comment further.

Kemp joined the Warriors on a two-year deal and his combination of speed, finishing ability and goalkicking was seen as a key signing. But it took him eight games to find the tryline, he missed a handful of crucial kicks at goal and he was exposed defensively, missing 2.5 tackles a game.

While he clearly struggled to find form, the season-ending injury to Brent Tate suffered in round three was a blow, because of Tate's ability to put his winger in the clear.

Kemp's likely departure could see the Warriors hit the market to find a replacement - though they have some promising players coming through, particularly Bill Tupou and Siuatonga Likiliki, who made his NRL debut last weekend.

The only other position still to be settled is in the front row. Evarn Tuimavave is off contract and is playing for his future after returning from long-term neck and knee injuries.

The 25-year-old plays his fourth match of the season, his second start, in today's match with Canberra and has another two games to prove his worth.

The Warriors have been linked with Cowboys enforcer Carl Webb but any deal seems unlikely.