'La off to Castleford

Veteran forward Awen Guttenbeil announced on Monday night that he had decided to leave the Vodafone Warriors at the end of the 2006 NRL season to finish his playing career with English Super League club Castleford. The 30-year-old second rower said he was pleased to have his future secured after signing a two-year contract with the Tigers this evening. Now in his 11th season with the Vodafone Warriors ? a feat only Stacey Jones has matched ? Guttenbeil was awarded a testimonial by the club this year and marks it with a celebratory lunch this Thursday (July 20). ?The time just feels right for me to go to England with this being my testimonial season,? he said today. ?I?ve got everything to thank the Vodafone Warriors for. This club has helped to make me who I am. I?ve grown up here and I?ve been through all sorts of good times and some not so good with the club. ?It?ll be sad when it?s all over but I?ll leave happy as well because I?m so thankful for the opportunity I?ve had here.? Guttenbeil, who made his first-grade debut against North Sydney in 1996, played his 164th match when the Vodafone Warriors met Parramatta on Saturday night. No other forward has played more games for the club. Guttenbeil said he appreciated the club?s co-operation in allowing him to explore options before reaching his decision to leave. ?As I was out of contract and I was looking at finishing my career, I wanted to be able to make the best decision for my family?s future,? he said. ?I approached the club to ask whether I could sound out Super League clubs to see what might be available and I then asked whether I could check out NRL clubs as well. The Vodafone Warriors also made me an offer and, in the end, I was able to make an informed decision. ?While there was a chance to go to another NRL club, I really didn?t want to be in a position where I was playing against the Vodafone Warriors. ?I?ve ended up with the best deal and Tash and I are excited about heading to the English Super League for a couple of seasons. ?That?s ahead of us, though. This year has been hugely rewarding with the Warriors and I want to do all I can to see us finish it the best way possible. ?But when my playing career is over, I?d love to be able to return to help the club in some way.? Chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the Vodafone Warriors were indebted to Guttenbeil. ?The contribution he has made to the club has been enormous. He represents everything we want players from this club to aspire to,? he said. ?He has always been very open about his plans and all we?ve wanted is whatever is best for him. He asked for permission to investigate other possibilities and has come back to say this option to go to Castleford is best for him and for his family. We?re excited for Awen. ?Now we want to give him the best farewell we can. He deserves it more than anyone.? Scurrah said the club was keen to have Guttenbeil involved when he finishes his playing days. ?In his case it?s once a Warrior, always a Warrior and it?s our wish that he?ll be back soon and have a role in this club. He has so much to offer.? After five injury-troubled years, Guttenbeil has been the club?s most durable player in the last six seasons, appearing in more matches during that time than any other player. He?s set to join a club with a potent Kiwi connection. Castleford has previously been home to a number of New Zealanders including Kiwis Tawera Nikau, Tony Kemp, Richie Blackmore and Frano Botica.

AWEN GUTTENBEIL

Born: March 14, 1976 Birthplace: Whangarei Position: Second row Height: 188cm Weight: 101kg Junior Club: Pt Chevalier (Auckland) NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v North Sydney, Ericsson Stadium, April 14, 1996 (Round 4) 100th Appearance: v Wests Tigers, Ericsson Stadium, September 6, 2003 (Round 26) 150th Appearance: v Wests Tigers, Jade Stadium, March 25, 2006 (Round 3) NRL Career: Vodafone Warriors ? 163 games NRL Points: 60 (15 tries) International: New Zealand ? 10 Tests 2002-05 Debut v Australia, Wellington, 2002 Tonga at 1995 World Cup Educated: Kelston Boys? High School (Auckland)