Warriors rope themselves a Cowboy

The Vodafone Warriors have today announced the signing of utility player Nathan Fien from the North Queensland Cowboys. Fien had been given permission to negotiate with other clubs by the Cowboys before the June 30 anti-tampering deadline, and agreed to terms with the Warriors last night for three years commencing in 2005.

Although primarily used at half-back in recent times, he is a former Australian number 9 at age group level and it is in this position that he has been recruited by the Warriors. Some of the most astute judges of the game, including Wayne Bennett, Brian Smith and Tim Sheens consider the hooking position to be where his future lays. His acceleration and versatility however will also provide good cover across the number 7 and 6 jerseys.

Nathan?s 70 plus first grade appearances, not to mention his State of Origin experience were crucial factors in the club?s negotiations with Fien according to CEO Mick Watson, who was delighted at securing such an important strategic acquisition.

?Nathan?s solid NRL grounding with the Cowboys and past representative selection for Queensland will provide additional options, durability and direction for the Warriors as we build on our current playing roster for next season and beyond,? Watson said.

The player himself was also very upbeat at the announcement. ?At this stage of my career I am looking for new challenges. The opportunity to play for a new club, under a new coach and in a new country whilst remaining in the NRL was too good a chance for me to pass up. I believe that being involved with the Warriors and their big go-forward men will only enhance my style of play and allow me to experience finals football for the first time in my career,? Fien added. Nathan Fien will move his young family to Auckland at the completion of the 2004 NRL season.