Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is facing a selection headache after the triumphant NRL return of Gerard Beale.
The utility back made his Warriors debut in the 24-14 win over Parramatta Eels, causing some good/bad problems for Kearney.
Beale was initially named as 18th man, but when Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was ruled out with the immiment arrival of his first child, Peta Hiku moved to fullback and Beale slotted into the midfield.
The 163-game veteran was one of the Warriors' key offseason signings, but he broke his leg last year during the Kiwis' Rugby League World Cup opener against Toa Samoa.
Now he's fully fit and ready for more minutes in the starting side, Kearney faces the predicament of trying to fit Beale, Hiku and Solomone Kata in the same lineup. On top of that, Blake Ayshford, who played most of last season in the premier side, has also returned from injury and is working back to full fitness in the reserve squad.
But Kiwis coaching great Graham Lowe thinks this logjam is a great problem for the club to have.
"Beale is a genuine class player who has amazing footwork, so it is going to prove a dilemma for Stephen Kearney when it comes to picking his outside backs, because it will be hard to leave Beale out," Lowe told RadioLIVE.
"He's a talented international, so there are many options. It might be that he goes onto the wing or he might replace Kata.
"Kearny has demonstrated that he's a loyal guy, so it puts everyone on their toes, which is fantastic to know that somebody is breathing down your neck when you're not performing."
Beale was happy to be back out on the field after his long injury lay-off.
He ran for 74 metres, made six tackle breaks and completed 14 tackles in his return match.
"Physically, I felt great out there and it was awesome to play my first game for the club," Beale told NRL.com. "It was a huge honour.
"For us, as a group, to see the rewards starting to come through gives us confidence.
"Little wins like this are massive for the team, the culture and what we're working towards."
The Warriors will face the South Sydney Rabbitohs in their next clash at Mt Smart Stadium, and Tuivasa-Sheck is expected to be available, pending the birth of his first child.
"I hope it's not coming next Saturday at 7:30 pm," Kearney joked.
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