The Warriors have released a statement announcing Etene Nanai-Seturo, the teenage sensation at the centre of a cross-code dispute, will leave the club and be free to take up a contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs.
While leaguies may bemoan the defection and union seemingly winning the tug-of-war, the Warriors will reportedly receive a substantial compensation payout for releasing the Nanai-Seturo from his binding contract, and the 18-year-old will play for who he wants rather than being forced to stay at the Warriors against his will.
It’s always disappointing to lose a player of Nanai-Seturo’s undoubted ability, but under the circumstances it seems like a win-win – and certainly not the rollover defeat for the Warriors some will paint it as.
Via Warriors Media
The Vodafone Warriors and New Zealand Rugby have reached an agreement following mediation to resolve a dispute arising from Etene Nanai-Seturo’s decision to leave the Vodafone Warriors and sign with New Zealand Rugby.
Under the agreement, Nanai-Seturo has been released from all his obligations to the Vodafone Warriors with all terms and conditions of the release to be kept confidential.
New Zealand Rugby’s general manager rugby Neil Sorensen said they had a productive meeting with the Vodafone Warriors which resulted in an amicable outcome for both parties and a new set of protocols regarding contracted players switching between the two codes.
“We have an enormous amount of respect for each other’s organisations and we wish each other every success in our respective codes,” said Sorensen.
“We have also agreed on protocols to be followed where either of us is made aware of any player who is interested in changing codes in the middle of their employment. Under those protocols we will be able to avoid this situation arising again in future.”
Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George welcomed the agreement and said he was looking forward to continuing to have a productive relationship with New Zealand Rugby.
“We need to work together when faced with these situations and it is not in either of our interests for these matters to be aired in public,” he said.
“The Vodafone Warriors wish Etene well with his career.”
As part of the agreement, the parties have agreed no further comments will be made on any matter concerning the dispute.
Categories: Team News + Stats, WARRIORS NEWS
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