 However he later signed a two-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors in 2009, as injury cover for Evarn Tuimavave.He made his Warriors debut in Round Two 2009 against the Manly Sea Eagles, scoring a try with his first touch of the ball.Royal decided to retire after the 2010 NRL season and return to Newcastle to work in the mines and play for local club Kurri Kurri Bulldogs.