Warriors utility Chanel Harris-Tavita isn’t looking too far into the future despite coming off contract at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old’s manager has reportedly sent feelers out to rival clubs for expressions of interest, with the NRL’s newest club the Dolphins looming as a potential landing spot.
While there’s no doubt Harris-Tavita will attract offers for 2023 and beyond from opposition clubs, the playmaker says his focus is firmly on the 2022 season with New Zealand.
“I couldn’t answer that (where I’ll be playing in 2023) myself,” Harris-Tavita said on SENZ Mornings.
“Obviously, it’s something I need to consider moving forward, but for now my focus is on this season.
“I reckon if I play my best footy and reach my potential as a player, I think that contract talk will take care of itself.”
A natural half, Harris-Tavita will instead play in the number one jersey for his club as he did for the Maori side in last month’s All Stars showcase.
The new number one hopes the experience he gained from playing the position in the All Stars game holds him in good stead for the season proper.
“It was exciting and nerve-wracking, I’ve obviously never played it before,” Harris-Tavita added.
“On defence, you get a whole different perspective of the field and on attack it’s a bit more exciting because you get to roam around the field and inject yourself in the game whenever you want.
“It’s a different challenge for me, something I’ve never done before, but I’ve done the work with the coaches in the last month to catch high balls and help the team attack well.”
Harris-Tavita and the Warriors will hope to start the season off with a win as they face the Dragons in a Round 1 clash on Saturday at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
