Ata Hingano started the season in the halves while the Warriors waited for Kieran Foran to be cleared.

Warriors young gun Ata Hingano admits he is exploring his options as the club continues to wait on Kieran Foran to decide his future.

Despite being heavily linked with a move to the Bulldogs next year to be closer to his two children in Sydney, Foran is relishing his time at the Warriors and has not ruled out staying at Mt Smart.

While the Warriors would obviously love to keep the Kiwis five-eighth, the delay over his contract situation has had a flow-on affect on Hingano, who is also off-contract at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old started the first three games of the season while the club waited for Foran to be cleared and is a seen as a player of great potential.

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But having had a taste of first grade, Hingano has not ruled out a move to Australia and told Fox Sports he was hoping to use last week's test for Tonga, where he started in the halves in the win over Fiji, to catch the eye of NRL coaches.

"I'm off-contract this year and being in a side like this and playing with some of the big names. I can use it to my advantage and put my profile out there and make the most of it," Hingano said.

"It's a step closer to being in the sights of other clubs.

"I believe everything happens for a reason. Whether I'm in NSW Cup or first grade, I always put my best foot forward."

The Warriors have always stated their desire to keep Hingano, who has been linked with Melbourne in the past. And with Tuimoala Lolohea set for an early release from his contract, his retention has become even more important.

Hingano, meanwhile, has been making the most of being able to learn from one of the best playmakers in the NRL.

One of the benefits of bringing Foran to the Warriors was his ability to mentor the young halves, even if it is for only a season.

And Hingano says Foran is helping him take his game to the next level.

"I've learnt clarity from him under pressure. If you have simple clarity then the boys will trust you," he told Fox Sports.

"He's an open book and always willing to help. We'll watch footage from my game or his game and break it down. He's good to have around."