NRL: Shaun Johnson, Solomone Kata still sidelined for Warriors

  • 23/04/2018

Halfback Shaun Johnson and centre Solomone Kata have failed fitness tests for Wednesday's Anzac Day clash between the Warriors and Melbourne Storm.

The two internationals will join second-rower Tohu Harris on the sidelines, with Mason Lino, Anthony Gelling and Isaiah Papali'i named to fill those starting spots against the defening NRL premiers.

Lino and Gelling were late call-ups for Johnson and Kata against St George-Illawarra Dragons last Friday, and both scored first-half tries in a gritty 20-12 seventh-round win at Mt Smart Stadium.

Papali'i is set to start an NRL match for the third time, after replacing Harris 27 minutes into the encounter with the Dragons.

Johnson (groin) and Kata (ankle) ran at training on Monday, but weren't declared fit to play, while Harris hasn't been cleared from concussion protocols.

With Johnson, Kata and Harris out and Lino, Gelling and Papali'i replacing them, Ligi Sao, Joseph Vuna and Sam Cook have been brought onto the extended bench, alongside Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Albert Vete, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Chris Satae.

While the Vodafone Warriors have started their campaign with an unprecedented six wins in the opening seven rounds, Melbourne has mixed four wins with three losses. Two of their defeats were by two points and one point to the Wests Tigers, but since losing to the Tigers in Auckland on April 7, the Storm have seen off Newcastle 40-14 and Brisbane 34-20 to sit fifth on the ladder with eight points.

This will be the ninth time the Vodafone Warriors and the Storm have met since this Anzac Day fixture was introduced in 2009. The match-up was shelved in 2015, when the Storm met Manly and the Vodafone Warriors faced Gold Coast.

With the Michael Moore Trophy at stake, the Warriors will wear their heritage jersey, bearing a poppy, on Wednesday night.

Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (captain), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Anthony Gelling, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Mason Lino, Bunty Afoa, Issac Luke, Agnatius Paasi, Simon Mannering, Isaiah Papali'i, Adam Blair

Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Albert Vete, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Ligi Sao, Joseph Vuna, Chris Satae, Sam Cook

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