Warriors Close The Gaps

Warriors Close The Gaps With Campion, Lauitiiti And Cleary

Auckland, New Zealand, 25 November, 2000 - The 2001 Warriors lineup began to take real shape today with three more signings. Grand Final hero, Kevin Campion will take the field next year along with talented Kiwi, Ali Lauitiiti, and centre/fullback, Ivan Cleary

Twenty-eight year old Campion, who joins the Warriors on a two year contract, pending a release from English Club, Warrington, was a standout player for the Broncos last season as they took out the NRL Grand Final and will play for the 2001 Warriors as lock or back rower.

"I rate Kevin very highly," says Warriors' coach Daniel Anderson. "He's a Grand Final winner and brings that winning ethic to the team. He 's respected by the opposition and has a very physical presence on defence. He's equally capable as a ball player and a running player.

"Kevin is also a good stabilising influence on the team. He has played semifinal football and understands how to win pressure games. He's one of those players who gives the guys either side of him the confidence to play better. As a bonus he has prior experience of start up clubs- the Rams and the Chargers."

Rising star, twenty one year old Ali Lauitiiti, has signed on for three years and will again be a presence in the second row, with his dazzling pace, great ball handling skills and exceptional evasive ability for such a big man.

"Ali is a big signing for the club and, as a coach, I'm very excited to get the opportunity to work with an such a talented player", says Anderson.

Ivan Cleary has already started training with the Warriors and will sign with the club for two years. Before his move to the Warriors in 2000, Cleary already had extensive NRL experience - most notably a four-year stint with Sydney City (1996-99). As a Rooster he was one of the Premiership's most prolific point-scorers. Cleary has also played for the Manly (1992) and North Sydney (1993-5) clubs.

The 29 year old joins Campion, Stacey Jones and Ritchie Blackmore as a senior player in the Warriors camp, and his experience and versatile skill base are highly regarded by team management.

Anderson is pleased with Cleary's decision to stay with the side. "I've got a lot of time for Cleary, and he respects what we're trying to do with the squad. With the new guys we've got on board, the Warriors will be awesome in a few years - some time, some fine-tuning, and experience will be all it takes".

These signings bring the Club's roster for the 2001 season to twenty two, with three more players trialling under option contracts.

ENDS.

For further information, please contact: Mick Watson General Manager, The Warriors Mob: 021 386 635

Allan Botica Botica Conroy & Associates Tel: +64 9 303 3862 Mob: +64 21 400 500 Email: allanb@bca.co.nz

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