Ken Maumalo will join the Wests Tigers. Photo / Photosport
Ken Maumalo will join the Wests Tigers. Photo / Photosport
Warriors winger Ken Maumalo will leave the club to join the Wests Tigers.
The Warriors announced that the 26-year-old Kiwi international, who was signed to the end of next season, has requested and been granted an immediate release from his contract.
The Tigers confirmed Maumalo signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Warriors assistant coach Justin Morgan said he will be a big loss to the club.
"The way it all happened was Ken was dropped from the team a few weeks ago and we had no intention of necessarily moving him on, but no doubt other clubs had been coming knocking on the door.
"We were quite happy to have Ken involved in the club moving forward - and he was still contracted for next year, but when a club comes forward and makes an offer, we're not a club that's going to stand in his way if he can secure a little bit more longevity in the game and certainly some security around contracts.
"The way the game is at the moment, every player is valuable to different clubs based on what they need. Ken's been a great servant in the way that we've played the game in the past and he was very willing to fight his way back into the team.
"It wasn't a matter of changing direction, just the way the stars aligned a little bit with Ken not making the side and when other clubs noticed that they came knocking on the door."
Warriors CEO Cameron George wished Maumalo the best at his new club.
"Ken had an opportunity to secure a long-term future for himself and his family beyond next season but we couldn't offer anything further at this stage," said George.
"He has made a huge contribution to the Warriors and we wish him and his family all the best for the future."
Maumalo's 105th and possibly last match for the Warriors was in the club's 34-18 loss to Parramatta in Brisbane on May 16.
"Ken has given the Warriors great service across seven seasons," said Warriors head coach Nathan Brown.
"It was a great achievement for him this year when he joined the select group of players who have made 100 appearances for the club."
Ken Maumalo will join the Wests Tigers. Photo / Photosport
Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe welcomed Maumalo to the club.
"On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I'd like to welcome Ken and his family to the club and say how pleased we are to have secured a player with his talent," Pascoe said.
"Ken has shown himself to be one of the most dynamic wingers in the competition and he will certainly add a lot to our already talented squad over the coming years.
"We're very pleased to have added a talented player with international experience at this point of the year and look forward to seeing Ken take to the field in Wests Tigers colours."
Tigers coach Michael Maguire said Maumalo would add a lot to the squad and was pleased to be working with the talented winger again.
"I've worked closely with Ken over a number of years now at international level and it's great to see him now join Wests Tigers," Maguire said.
"Ken is a great family man who will fit in well with the squad we have here at Wests Tigers, and I look forward to welcoming him to the club."
A member of the club's premiership-winning under-20 side in 2014, Maumalo made his NRL debut against Parramatta in the opening round of the 2015 season. He is set to finish his Warriors career with 41 tries.
