Ata Hingano released by Warriors to join rival club

Ata Hingano is set to join a rival club after being granted a release by the Warriors.

Warriors fans were celebrating yesterday with news that captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had knocked back approaches from New Zealand Rugby and other NRL clubs to re-sign on a four-year deal.

That elation soon turned sour though with news that Hingano has been granted a release from the club and would be moving on.

Stuck behind Kieran Foran last year, Hingano patiently waited for his shot at first grade but when news broke that the Warriors had signed veteran Blake Green to partner Shaun Jonhson this year, his time at the Auckland-based club was always numbered.

Reports suggest that Hingano will sign with the Canberra Raiders on a two-year deal. If true, it seems like Hingano will be jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

The Raiders have just as much a logjam in the halves as the Warriors. In fact, perhaps more so, with Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer and Sam Williams all vying for a starting position.

Austin and Sezer are both off contract at the end of 2018 though, so a strong showing from Hingano could potentially see one of them not offered a new contract going forward.

Hingano has played 15 games for the Warriors and was also a key member of the Tongan team for the Rugby League World Cup.