Search

show me:

Tevaga looks to lock in Warriors NRL deal

3 minute read

While he has other NRL clubs chasing, Jazz Tevaga wants to stay with the Warriors but admitted being played out of position may see him look elsewhere.

JAZZ TEVAGA of the Warriors.
JAZZ TEVAGA of the Warriors. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Talented utility Jazz Tevaga hopes to hammer out a new deal with the Warriors but sees his future at lock rather than playing hooker with the NRL club.

The Bulldogs have the 25-year-old on their hit list but Tevaga said there had been interest from a number of NRL clubs, his preference was to remain with the Auckland side.

He admitted that he wanted to be considered primarily as a lock and he wanted more game time after only getting 29 minutes in their last round loss to Manly.

"I wouldn't say I've been happy with the minutes I've been getting but I trust Browny (coach Nathan) and the way he coaches," Tevaga said on Wednesday.

"I just want to be in the team but I want to play 13 and if they needed me to slot in at hooker then yes, fine, but I understand that we've got some quality middles.

"If things don't work out then I'll be looking to play that utility role, or 13 somewhere else."

Ahead of their Magic Round clash with high-flying Parramatta on Sunday, Brown admitted that money and the role he saw for Tevaga could be a sticking point.

"We'd like Jazz to stay and Jazz would like to stay but it's whether the role suits where Jazz wants to head and obviously finance," Brown said.

With veteran Tohu Harris cemented at lock, Brown wants to see Tevaga spend more time at hooker.

He likened the switch to Melbourne's Brandon Smith, but in reverse.

"That's how I see Jazz's role ... I think that's a role he can play with a fair bit of practice," Brown said.

Despite the Sea Eagles loss Brown was also open to repeating his experiment shifting Kodi Nikorima to dummy-half when exciting youngster Reece Walsh came off the bench into the halves.

"We're just trying to work out what's the most stable thing to do not only for the team, but also for Reece," Brown said.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au