Former Warriors coach Tony Kemp has admitted the club has a problem ahead of their pending move back to New Zealand.
As the club prepares for its return to Mt Smart Stadium on July 3, several Australian based players are reportedly keen to stay put in their home country.
Former Dragon Euan Aitken is one Warrior who’s already decided not to make the trip, while Matt Lodge recently knocked back a contract offer as he hopes to return to Sydney in 2023.
Another Warrior who’s been linked to clubs in Australia is Reece Walsh – with some reports even suggesting the fullback has a ‘get out clause’ in his deal.
With reports of Walsh posturing for a move, Kemp says he wouldn’t be surprised if “half a dozen” of his teammates tried to stay put as well.
“It’s a problem, Matt Lodge has come out and said, ‘The contract isn’t good enough’, they offered him a big contract to stay but he wants to remain in Australia,” Kemp said on SENZ Breakfast.
“We’ve already seen Euan Aitken (opt to remain in Australia), and the rumour is if they (the Dolphins) don’t get Kalyn Ponga they will go after Walsh next.
“It’s not just a Reece Walsh issue, it’s all the Aussies that are in the Warriors side, they’re in Redcliffe at the moment, maybe half a dozen of them will stay back when they go to Mt Smart.”
Kemp was then asked if he begrudged any Australian-based Warrior that wanted to stay put Down Under.
“Not at all, what I do think they need to sort out are contracts,” Kemp replied.
“With contracts, if you sign one, honour it.”
While rumours of an unsettled Walsh have bubbled away all year, former All Black Izzy Dagg praised the youngster for his starring performance in Round 4 against the Broncos.
“I thought Walshy, that was his best performance of the year,” Dagg said.
“I know we’re only four rounds in, but man, he was outstanding, he was busy.
“You could see it was Slater-ish style of play, he was busy, he was involved everywhere he went.
“I know he’s been talking to Billy, so he’s trying to emulate that, I thought he was outstanding.”
The Warriors will hope to pick up their third consecutive win when they face the Cowboys at Moreton Daily Stadium on Friday.