Whatuira released by Giants, NRL bound

[TigerRock]

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Whatuira released by Giants, NRL bound

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By Wayne Gardiner AAP Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:27:11

Former New Zealand international Paul Whatuira could be on the look out for an NRL club to squeeze into after being granted a release from his English Super League side.

The 28-year-old two-time grand final winner requested to return to Australia on compassionate grounds and the Huddersfield Giants agreed to the immediate release.

Whatuira has rarely figured for Nathan Brown's men this season due to a leg injury and has also experienced some high-profile personal problems - most notably his arrest in October 2009 which led to him entering a psychiatric hospital after admitting he had been abused as a child.

If the classy centre is looking to resume his career straight away, he'd be a handy pick up for a side with room to move in their salary cap.

"In the long-term interest of the player he needs a break to get his leg right and recharge his batteries ahead of his next career move," said Huddersfield general manager Richard Thewlis.

"We all hope that a good break will enable him to return back to rugby league, at his best."

Whatuira, who joined Huddersfield from Wests Tigers ahead of the 2008 season, thanked the Giants for supporting him throughout his time at the Galpharm Stadium.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Huddersfield and the club has supported me and my family through some difficult times," he said.

"I wish them every success in the future and am looking forward to a break and then to returning to action fully fit."

Whatuira, who played for Huddersfield in their Challenge Cup loss to Warrington last season, made a total of 55 appearances for the club.
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[Guest]

Be interesting to see if he gets a start back here with an NRL club, at 28 he's not over the hill but obviously needs time to get over this leg injury he has.

 

[andrew9148]

I would love to have him back. Surely he is better than Ayshford. 2 time premiership winner, at two clubs.

 

[crouching_tiger]

Hopefully Sheens gets him home before the end of the year. Could have a team looking like this:

1\. McKinnon
2\. Fitzhenry
3\. Ayshford
4\. Whatuira
5\. Lawrence

6\. Marshall
7\. Finch

8\. Gibbs
9\. Farah ©
10\. Skandalis
11\. Ellis
12\. Heighington
13\. Fulton

14\. Galloway
15\. Payten
16\. Moors
17\. Fifita

That's got PREMIERS written all over it!!
:stuck_out_tongue:

 

[Guest]

Sounds like this leg injury he has is going to take a few weeks to get over though, the season could possibly be too far gone by the time he's right.

 

[fergiefurr]

Yes please!!!!! Would love him at right center

 

[Granto87]

He will go to the warriors…

 

[Jazza]

I don't want him.

Remember before he left us how much he struggled?

Most of us wanted him gone.

Constant hamstring injuries, a loss of pace and a ball hog. It looks like he still has injury probs, at least Ayshford has a bit of size and Daniella has some pace.

 

[benjibrotown]

No thanks.. When he left to go to England he had turned into a below average player and had lost his try scoring ability. Since his been there he's had both personal issues and injuries.

 

[everett]

Agree he was a great player for us previously but we have enough young players better than him now. Warriors appear to be a good match. We don't want Wests Tigers to turn into Dad's Army. O'Hara, Cayless, Fulton, Fitzhenry.

 

[king_sirro]

Was good for 2 years then was the worst centre in the comp when he left.