Contract negotiations have been completed for a player swap resulting in giant Canterbury Bankstown back rower Shaun Lane joining the Vodafone Warriors in exchange for second rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner.
The 1.98cm Lane (21) and Faitala-Mariner (22), who were both off contract at the end of the 2016 season, have been granted immediate releases to join their new clubs.
They both made their NRL debuts last year, Faitala-Mariner going on to play 11 times after his debut in round eight and Lane appearing in each of the Bulldogs’ last 14 matches of the season (scoring five tries) including their two finals games against St George Illawarra and the Sydney Roosters.
Lane, signed by the Vodafone Warriors on a one-year contract, wasn’t used by the Bulldogs in the opening rounds of this season while Faitala-Mariner appeared once for the Vodafone Warriors against Brisbane.
“This outcome is mutually beneficial for both clubs,” said Vodafone Warriors recruitment and development manager Tony Iro.
“Ray had been seeking a release but we weren’t prepared to allow him to move until we were able to find a suitable replacement.
“In Shaun we have a player who brings the qualities we were after to strengthen our squad.
“We thank Ray for the contribution he has made to our club and wish him all the best for the future.”
Lane, who played NYC football for the Bulldogs in 2013 and 2014, was named the club’s rookie of the year in 2015, winning the Steve Mortimer Medal.
“I’m excited to be here and just want to do all I can to play as much first-grade football as possible,” he said.
“I really enjoyed my time at the Bulldogs but it wasn’t working out this year. That’s football.
“The opportunity came up to join the Warriors. It’s all happened really quickly but I couldn’t be happier.”
Lane’s older brother Brett made an NRL appearance for the Bulldogs in 2012
SHAUN LANE
Date of Birth: November 29, 1994
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW
Junior Club: South Eastern Seagulls
Position: Second Row
Height: 198cm
Weight: 115kg
NRL Debut: Canterbury-Bankstown v Gold Coast, Cbus Super Stadium, Robina, June 14, 2015 (Rd 14)
NRL Career: 14 appearances (2015)
NRL Points: 20 (5 tries)
Rep Honours: Nil
