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Brett Seymour - Source: Getty Images -
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The Warriors have confirmed former Brisbane and Cronulla playmaker Brett Seymour will join the club for the 2010 NRL season with an option to extend his stay to 2011.
In announcing the signing, Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the club had worked closely with the NRL in structuring a special deal which offered the 24-year-old Seymour a last chance to rebuild his first-grade career.
Seymour has been involved in off-field misdemeanours, the last of which resulted in his Cronulla contract being terminated early last month.
"After taking a lot of factors into account, we're pleased we've been able to put together a contract to bring Brett to the Warriors and we're thankful for the NRL's full support in what we are trying to achieve," said Scurrah.
"In his time with Brisbane and Cronulla, Brett has proven himself as a high-quality half. We were interested in him 18 months ago and it's well-known that we have been in the market for a playmaker for some time.
"At the same time, there are some well-documented issues surrounding Brett which we have been discussing with him in putting together a programme to help him turn his life around.
"With Brett's attitude to help himself and the NRL's assistance and understanding, we've now reached a position where we are able to proceed.
"We accept the NRL has a hard-line policy on clubs being held accountable for signing players with previous behaviour issues of this type. Brett knows this is his final chance to make something of his career and his life and together we will be doing all we can to make it work."
Mackay-born Seymour, who has 101 NRL appearances for Brisbane and Cronulla since 2002, said he was grateful to both the Warriors and the NRL for giving him another chance.
"I spent a couple of days in Auckland having a look at the club, meeting some of the staff and seeing something of the city and I'm excited about the opportunity I have been given," he said.
"I regret some of the things that have happened in the past but I am desperate to play first-grade football again and I want to do everything possible to rebuild my life. Going to Auckland to join the Vodafone Warriors is a great opportunity and I have a lot of people to thank for making this possible.
"I don't want to let them down or let myself down. I know I have to make this work."
Seymour, Scurrah and the club's executive director of football John Hart met with NRL chief executive David Gallop on Friday before formalising the contract.
"The Warriors have certainly presented a comprehensive plan to deal with what have been some pretty deep personal issues for Brett," he said.
"As well as strong support mechanisms, the contract includes some strict provisions in terms of behaviour and we have in fact strengthened those at our meeting.
"As much as we hope Brett can turn it around, I have made it clear to him personally that there is no chance beyond this point and reminded the club that they will also be responsible should he find himself in any further trouble."
Scurrah said it was likely Seymour would settle in Auckland before the end of the 2009 NRL season.
