Once again, the world of rugby league is awash with rumour and speculation - this time surrounding Ruben Wiki, the NRL's oldest player.

Wiki has been dropped by the Warriors for this weeks clash with the Newcastle Knights, and instead he'll line up for the Warriors feeder club - the Auckland Vulcans - where he'll join fellow first-graders Wairangi Koopu and Ryan Shortland.

His demotion to the lower grades has led to calls for an early retirement from Wiki, ending his contract and in doing so saving the club around $200,000.

But we here in the Attic believe these calls are a bit premature, and we think Wiki still has the goods to play in the first-grade week-in and week-out.

The passion that Wiki inspires in those around him is second to none in the NRL, and the old-stager still hits as hard today as he did when his career first began 15 years ago. He may be 35, but he plays like he's still in his twenties - although, granted, he is a tad slower now.

Wiki has stated that he has no intention of walking out on his contract with the Warriors, and is happy to play wherever the coaches want him to play - yet another testament to the passion the man has for the game.

Wiki is only four games away from joining the illustrious 300 game club, and we would certainly be disappointed if Ivan Cleary doesn't give him his chance later in the season - It'd be a huge honour for Wiki, and who could say he hasn't earnt it?

A few weeks in the lower grades will give Wiki the time he needs to fully recover from the rib cartilage injury that has been bothering him for some time now. It will also give the young up-and-comers a chance to play along side the man they would have grown up watching - what a feeling that will be for the youngsters. They need to take the opportunity, and absorb everything they possibly can from Wiki while he's with them.

Ruben Wiki's career began back in June 13th,1993, when he debuted for the Canberra Raiders against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Playing along-side some of leagues legends (Mel Maninga, Laurie Daley, Bradley Clyde, Steve Walters, and Ricky Stuart - bit of experience there...), gave Wiki the opportunity to learn from the true masters and perfect his trade, which he did as a center, initially, before moving into the forwards later in his career.

In 1994 Wiki went on to help win the Winfield Cup with the Raiders, defeating the Bulldogs 36-12.

He has since gone on to play 225 games for the mighty green machine (over twelve years), before signing with the Warriors in 2005, where he has played 70 games. Add to that a world record breaking 55 Tests for the Kiwis (including 18 as captain), and you've got a real icon of rugby league.

Wiki has hinted that at the end of the 2008 season he may hang up his boots, rather than head off to England to play for the Castleford Tigers in the Super League. Whatever option he chooses, he'll always be remembered as one of rugby leagues true warriors.

In other league news, Melbourne Storm back-rower Michael Crocker is off to the UK to play for Hull at the end of the year. The Australian and Queensland star has had a great NRL career, especially since joining the Storm after moving from the Sydney Roosters. Injuries, though, have limited his game time somewhat over the past few seasons.

Before the loss in game one of the 2008 State of Origin series, Crocker had an impressive run of 38 successive wins in a row.

Wouldn't you like some of that brought your way, Hull?