Former Warrior Motu Tony believes the Warriors league coaching staff simply did not understand powerful second-rower Ali Lauiti'iti.

Lauitiiti was offered a release from his contract this week after admitting in a meeting with Warriors chief executive Mick Watson that winning National Rugby League (NRL) premierships was no longer a priority for him.

"I don't think Ali's passion for the game had dwindled, it is just that he has got different priorities in life, and with his Christian background you can understand that," Tony said.

"They just needed to understand Ali a bit more I guess. People are different.

"I have read that Ali wasn't motivated by winning the ring (championship) or what have you, but Ali just gets out there and plays football, and that is what he does best.

"He doesn't carry too much excess baggage like other people do. All he wants to do is get out on the field and have fun."

Tony, a close friend of Lauiti'iti's, was granted an early release from his Warriors contract late last year to take up a one- year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.

Last month he told Sydney's Sun-Herald that he left the Warriors because "he wasn't enjoying it" and he "couldn't respond to the way (Warriors coach) Daniel Anderson was doing things".

"As an outsider looking in I don't know what is going on there," Tony said.

"But it doesn't look healthy. With what has happened to Ali and the on-field results... it isn't looking good for the Warriors.

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