Welcome back Wiki

By AARON LAWTON and NEIL REID - Sunday News

RUBEN Wiki – one of New Zealand rugby league's favourite sons – is set for a return to the sport with the Warriors expected to announce his appointment to a high performance role within weeks.

The Warriors are in the process of finalising their off-field restructuring, which has already seen former under-20s coach Tony Iro and first-grade assistant coach John Ackland switch roles and the appointment of Dean Bell as recruitment guru, ahead of the 2010 season.

Sunday News has been told Wiki and the club have had some promising discussions about a permanent position for the Kiwis great.

It's understood no contract has been signed yet but it's considered a mere formality Wiki will scribble on the dotted line once one has been drawn up.

Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah was reluctant yesterday to discuss the club's plans for Wiki but did reveal talks had taken place about a possible high performance role.

"We have certainly been in discussions with Ruben and he has been active at the club in recent weeks," Scurrah told Sunday News.

"We haven't fully confirmed anything yet but it will be along the lines of assisting in the high performance areas of coaching and training.

"We haven't completed an agreement at this stage but we would certainly be delighted to welcome Ruben back to the club."

Wiki, who retired from the sport at the end of 2008 and now boasts a personal training qualification, said he was excited about being a sounding board for the players next season.

"I am just part-time at the moment, just showing my face," Wiki said.

"The boys are still relaxed with me so it is pretty cool.

"They are smiling and are going through the pre-season training. I have been popping in a few times to see how they are going.

"I am seeing if they need someone to talk to. All the boys can easily come and talk to me.

"They are not shy. I have a good connection with the boys so hopefully that can rub off in the season to come.

"Officially, there should be some announcement next week."

Two months ago, it was reported Wiki and senior Warriors staff had a falling out during his final year in the NRL.

At the time, the 55-test Kiwi legend, revealed his relationship with the club had been patched up, which, given his soon-to-be-announced appointment, appears to be the case.

"It's all good now," Wiki said in September.

"Things just went a bit sour last year, but it's all done and dusted, in the past and we've got to move on.

"It's all about the club, there's nothing to dwell on and we're all big boys."