Vinnie Anderson Signs up with Warriors

Warriors newcomer Vince Anderson didn't take long to become a fully-fledged National Rugby League (NRL) player.

Anderson, a builder by trade on Auckland's North Shore, is the latest off the production line of New Zealand talent for the 2002 title contenders.

The 23-year-old utility back made his debut last month shortly after being told by coach Daniel Anderson (no relation) that he wanted him to become a full-time footballer.

"At the start of the year I never pictured myself playing NRL this season," Anderson said.

"I wanted to play well in the Bartercard Cup and hopefully pick up a part-time contract with the Warriors for next year."

But when Anderson was offered the chance to turn pro this season, he had little hesitation.

"I gave my boss one week's notice," laughed Anderson.

The powerful wing or centre said the pace and skill of the NRL is what he noticed most in his step up.

"There are a lot of strong players in the Bartercard Cup and the contact's pretty much the same.

"But they tend to try and run over you a lot rather than look to set players up. In the NRL, you don't have as much time to think and make your decisions and the skill level is a lot higher," Anderson said.

Anderson said the Warriors were hugely disappointed by their 38-30 away loss to the Canberra Raiders last weekend and expected the side to take out their anger on the Penrith Panthers on Sunday.

"It was a game we should have won and had in our hands only to lose it again," Anderson said.

Coach Daniel Anderson will be demanding a much better defensive effort against the lowly Panthers after poor displays recently against Canberra and Cronulla.