Former NZ Warriors halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita is poised to return to the NRL club, after stepping away from rugby league to travel this year.
After 54 game appearances for the Auckland-based club, Harris-Tavita, 24, stunned fans by announcing he would take a hiatus from the game, but has signed a two-year contract for 2024-25, with an option for a further year.
He last played at the Rugby League World Cup last November, when he was concussed, as Samoa fell to Australia in the final.
"I travelled around Europe with some mates after the World Cup, spent Christmas with my sister in New York, solo-travelled Bali and Thailand, and spent the last two months with my uncle in Samoa," Harris-Tavita told Stuff. "That’s where I got itchy feet.
"During the week, I was collecting coconuts and relaxing on the farm. On weekends, I was at a local pool bar watching the boys play.
"Watching the boys consistently turn up for each other made me miss training and playing with them. I sat on the thought of returning to the club for a few weeks, then I rang my agent."
Warriors recruitment, pathways and development general manager Andrew McFadden confirms he met with Harris-Tavita, when he returned home and the deal was quickly done.
"He's refreshed, loves the Warriors and is really excited about what's happening in all areas at the club," said McFadden. "He wants to be part of it and to contribute."
Harris-Tavita suffered with his teammates through two seasons in COVID-19 exile across the Tasman, but his 2022 campaign was further hampered by a ruptured testicle that needed surgery and kept him sidelined for several weeks.
His return may have ramifications for veteran star Shaun Johnson, who has guided the team masterfully so far this season, but is off contract in 2024.
The Warriors now have four halves - Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf and Ronald Volkman - contracted beyond this year, which may limit their ability to retain Johnson.
The club's all-time leading scorer who has already ruled out a move back across the Tasman and may be forced into retirement.
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