The New Zealand Warriors will soon be saying goodbye to one of their most exiting players ever. Ali Lauititi has been told by management that he will not be playing a part in the Warriors future.

The star loose forward seemed destined for greatness in 2002. His stunning form ultimately earning him the 2002 Dally M backrower of the year award. Unfortunately for Ali a cyst was discovered on his bone near his elbow. An operation to remove the cyst and surrounding bone saw him miss most of the 2003 season.

Since then Ali and many other warriors have fought hard to get back to full form. Warriors management tired of waiting for such a highly paid player to justify his salary elected to discontinue a working relationship with him. Management have revealed that they were no longer convinced that Ali's had the same passion for the game as his old self.

It has been strongly rumoured that Ali will be moving to an English based Superleague club, but Ali's manager and former coach Frank Endicott has kept his cards close to his chest differing the revelation to a Monday press release.

Posted 6th May, 2004