Warriors without key man for season opener

  • 28/02/2017
(File)
(File)

The Warriors open their NRL season against the Newcastle Knights at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, but will be without veteran winger Manu Vatuvei who is still recovering from a knee injury.

Vatuvei hasn't played for the Warriors since last season, missing out on the 2017 pre-season and the Warriors' winless NRL Auckland Nines.

Ken Maumalo will take his place in the opener, making his 18th first grade appearance.

The match is also key as captain Rodger Tuivasa-Sheck makes his NRL comeback after nearly a year on the sidelines, picking up a season-ending injury in April last year.

Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tui Lolohea, David Fusitu'a, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Mafoa'aeata Hingano, Shaun Johnson, Albert Vete, Issac Luke, Charlie Gubb, Bunty Afoa, Ryan Hoffman, Simon Mannering.

Interchange: Erin Clark, Jacob Lillyman, Sam Lisone, Isaiah Papali'I, Bodene Thompson, Mason Lino, James Gavet, Blake Ayshford.

Newshub.