Queensland State of Origin centre Dane Nielsen will leave the Melbourne Storm at the end of the season to join the Warriors after signing a three-year NRL deal.
The 26-year-old, who appeared twice for Queensland last year, said he was intent on performing well for the Storm before his move to Auckland.
“I’ve got this year to worry about first but then I’ll be looking forward to coming to a new city and a new club and doing all I can to help on the field and off it,” he said.
Nielsen said the stock of young talent at the Warriors was a factor in his decision, as was their style of play.
Warriors recruitment and development manager Dean Bell said the club was happy to land a quality centre.
“It’s a huge positive for us to secure a ranking Origin player and getting one who has played with three of the best players in the game – Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith – as well as learning so much through a coach of Craig Bellamy’s ability,” Bell said.
The Warriors have relied on 20-year-old centres Konrad Hurrell and Ben Henry this season with Jerome Ropati being dogged by injury and Krisnan Inu misfiring.
Nielsen will face his new team, who beat the Broncos 30-20 on Saturday, in a round 13 clash on June 3 in Auckland.
Sylvester
Guest
Same deal with Maloney. Gets a chance to shine at the Warriors, then snatched away at his peak.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Thanks Sylvester.. this seems such a waste, he was signed from the warriors, can't understand why neither Storm or Warriors kept him.
all7days
Roar Guru
Same rule for everyone then? Australian teams shouldn't buy Kiwi talent? Cuts both ways
Sylvester
Guest
Meesta: Seems he's signed with the ARU to play sevens.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Does Anyone know what happened to Elijah Niko. He came with huge reputation, went to East's club and wasn't seen again?. I saw him play a game in Queensland and he certainly looked the goods!.
Sylvester
Guest
The Warriors have a sad history of signing Aussie journeyman. In contrast, Neilson is at the top of his game. I do find it strange that apart from Hurrell, they're not flush with talented centres. Possibly why they signed Inu, which hasn't exactly worked out, and the disaster that was Moon before that.
Johnny boy
Guest
Very frustrating part of the NRL. club loyalty maybe gone long ago but it don't mean we gotta like it. Shame than Dane is going. Has to look after himself money wise I guess but it's another kick in teeth for clubs. Please NRL increase the salary cap. To many players change clubs and supporters who identify with these guys are left feeling cheated. Fix it will you. As the bloke above said at least he is going to a good club that is the only positive I can see out of it. Good luck with the mighty storm this year dane. You can be a part of history Make every game count buddy. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Morfs
Guest
Now for the good news (for Storm fans, anyway): Justin O'Niel has signed a new 2 year deal with the Storm, and Tohu Harris has also signed a new deal (unsure on length). Now if only they can manage to hold on to Sika Manu....
Jeff McGinn
Guest
bbt. this is the shortcoming of the salary cap, A team can't continually improve because they have to 'shed' their talent each year. whilst otter teams just sit back and poach ready made players... (how they stay under the cap I don't know!! For all you Warrior fans. I was not referencing to NZ, You guys lose more talent yearly than any other club in the league.. just look at the Pommie League and count the number of ex Warriors running around there!.
Go warriors
Guest
Totally agree NZ should not need to buy Aussie players. We have so many quality players coming through the ranks we should picking local players only.
bbt
Guest
Storm finds them - Neilsen went nowhere at the Sharks - turns them into top players then loses them. What are we running, a training school down here?
Adam_JJV
Guest
Solid Signing. The Warriors are looking good for the next few years at least!
oikee
Guest
Proper centres are like gold dust in this game. Roparti is nearly finished, Hurrel is alright, Henry is not a proper centre. He can fill in like Mannering, but making long field breaks like Inglis is never going to happen. Nelson is proven at origin level. You dont get pressure cooker like that anywhere else. They are also losing Luck, he is retired, so they will need Henry and Mannering at all times in the middle of the park or they will leak points like a sieve. Also if you forgot to remember, they are losing Maloney next year, so a young half feeding a young Hurrel with no experience might expose both players. Having a proper centre their will give the new five-eight some breathing space. Warriors have done well. Excellent buying.
RUGBY IS A RELIGION IN NZ
Guest
where is all this league talents in nz and why to they signed aussies when they have some great young centers there?
RUGBY IS A RELIGION IN NZ
Guest
where is all this league talents in nz and why to they signed aussies when they have some great young centers there?
Jeff McGinn
Guest
Another good player lost because of the salary cap.. good luck Dane, at least you chose a good team to go to.