Another Kiwi is coming home, with Cronulla Sharks hooker Manaia Cherrington to join the Warriors immediately after signing a one and a half year deal with the NRL club on a second-tier contract.
The 22-year old has been granted a release from his one-year contract with the Sharks and will likely feature for the Warriors reserve grade squad when they face Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles in West Sydney on Sunday.
Cherrington has previously worked with Warriors coach Stephen Kearney as a member of the Kiwis squad that toured England in 2015.
But the new signing is balanced by the loss of one of the club's most promising young talents, with Erin Clark granted a release from his contract, signing a three-year deal with the Canberra Raiders.
The son of former Silver Fern Temepara Bailey, Clark made his NRL debut earlier in the season against the Melbourne Storm but has spent most of the year playing for the under 20’s squad.
"Erin’s management sought a release on personal grounds," said Warriors recruitment and development manager Tony Iro.
"It’s disappointing for Erin but he has our support and best wishes for the future.
Fortunately, we were able to secure Manaia as a replacement. He has come through the system with Wests Tigers as well as being involved with both the Junior Kiwis and the Kiwis."
Cherrington follows former Canberra Raiders fullback Zac Santo in a mid-season move to Mt Smart on a second-teir contract.
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