When NZ Warriors chief executive Cam George agreed to speak to the AM Show, he must have known he would not get off lightly.
As he reflected on the high expectations of fans, after the club's resurgent run to the NRL preliminary final last season, it became obvious George was at Auckland Airport, waiting for a plane across the Tasman.
"I notice you're at the airport, which got me thinking that maybe you're going to Aussie for a few more secret signings," pressed intrepid AM sports presenter Nicky Styris.
George looked like the kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"Can we expect any other surprises in the wings?" continued Styris.
The Warriors boss did nothing to shut down speculation.
"You never know, Nicky," he responded. "You're very sharp.
"I am at the airport, but I'll let you know in a week's time what I'm doing over in Australia."
Styris insisted: "That's not a no, then."
The Warriors have been very active in free agency during the summer, with the return of former captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and half Chanel Harris-Tavita, along with the addition of veteran second-rower Kurt Capewell from Brisbane Broncos.
They have also lost players, with young half Ronald Volkman initially heading to St George Dragons, before his contract was cancelled, due to shoulder injury. The Warriors have agreed to cover his recovery costs.
Star front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake has been granted early release from his Warriors contract to return to Sydney after the 2024 season, but latest reports suggest Auckland-born Cronulla Sharks forward Braden Hamlin-Uele may head back across the ditch as his replacement.
Watch this space.
