Etene Nanai-Seturo is playing for the New Zealand sevens team, despite being contracted to the Warriors.

The tug-of-war over Etene Nanai-Seturo between New Zealand Rugby and the Warriors has taken another twist with the young player having agents in both codes.

Nanai-Seturo still has a contract with prominent league agent Stan Martin, while it's been reported he has also taken up the services of rugby agent Simon Porter.

Now 18, Nanai-Seturo signed a five-year deal with the Warriors three years ago, but also played rugby for St Kentigerns College.

There has been speculation about his future for a while, but last week he played for the New Zealand Sevens team at the IRB tournament in Sydney and all hell has broken loose since then, with Warriors CEO Cameron George threatening legal action and slamming the rival sport.

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"There has to be respect amongst codes," George told Newshub on Sunday.

"I believe we are not being shown that right now and I'll do what I feel is right for the Warriors to protect us and in principle."

New Zealand Rugby says it hopes to sort the matter out this week, but even if that is resolved, Nanai-Seturo does still have a binding contract with Martin, regardless of what code he plays.

"He is still contracted to me for league and rugby," Martin said.

"As far as playing for New Zealand Sevens is concerned, that's an issue for the Warriors. I can't stop him from playing rugby and as his agent, I wouldn't."

How this plays out is unknown, but the NRL are traditionally strict on players sticking to their contracts with agents.

If Nanai-Seturo does go to rugby, where he's being lined up as a player with the Chiefs, it does set a bad precedent for the 13-man code, as it could open up the door on other young players being poached that the Warriors have invested time and resources into.

Ngani Laumape grew up playing rugby in Manawatu and played for New Zealand Secondary Schools, but signed a contract with the Warriors at the age of 17.

Throughout his time in league, there was always the potential he'd return to rugby, which he did in 2016.

But back in 2011 Laumape told the Manawatu Standard, that the Manawatu Turbos tried to sign him during a period of time between signing for the Warriors and moving to Auckland to join the club.

Laumape tried to get out of the Warriors' contract, but to no avail; he was locked in.

"I will give it a shot and no regrets, " Laumape said at the time. "I think I will probably end up coming back. I will definitely come back home."

Porter declined Stuff's request for a comment.