Hooker Nathan Friend has today confirmed he will end his four-year association with the Vodafone Warriors at the end of the season to rejoin the Gold Coast Titans on a one-year contract in 2016.
The veteran makes his 81st appearance for the Vodafone Warriors – and the 216th of his career – in Saturday’s 21st-round clash against Cronulla at Mount Smart Stadium (5.00pm kick-off).
While the Vodafone Warriors have signed Kiwi hooker Issac Luke on a three-year deal from next season, they offered Friend a one-year extension to remain in 2016.
“I appreciated getting an offer but with Issac coming I decided to look at other options,” he said.
“I feel my services are worthy of one more year in the NRL before I contemplate hanging the boots up.
“It’s difficult leaving. We love it in Auckland and the club has been terrific. There are plenty of people to thank from my time here but that can wait. I want to keep working with the boys and the coaches to finish the season as well as we can.”
Friend made his NRL debut with Brisbane in 2002 followed by 34 games for Melbourne from 2003-2006 and 100 for the Titans from 2007-2011 before joining the Vodafone Warriors in 2012.
