Fresh off back-to-back NRL losses, the NZ Warriors are sweating on the fitness of their two most important players, as they face a quick turnaround for the ANZAC Day clash with Melbourne Storm.
Both half Blake Green and fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck have been named in an already reshuffled line-up for Thursday's traditional encounter in Melbourne, but neither are certainties to take the field.
Green has missed the defeats by South Sydney and North Queensland, after tweaking a groin while warming up for the Rabbitohs game. His absence has exposed the Warriors' lack of half depth, with rookie Chanel Harris-Tavita and makeshift Peta Hiku forced into lead roles.
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He was named for the Cowboys outing, but failed a fitness test - he faces the same challenge this week.
Meanwhile, skipper Tuivasa-Sheck is carrying a hamstring niggle that could also sideline him against the top-of-the-table Storm.
With winger David Fusitu'a - the competition's top tryscorer last year - already ruled out, Green and Tuivasa-Sheck are crucial to their team's chances of success.
"Blake Green's strength is his ability to guide the team around," says former Warriors assistant coach Justin Morgan. "If there's no Roger, they'll welcome Blake back with open arms.
"But I feel, if they're going to be a threat against this Storm team, they need both Roger and Blake on the field.
"They've missed Blake's guidance and experience over the last few weeks, but in saying that, the young halves have done OK. They'll need all hands on deck - including Blake - this week."
Tuivasa-Sheck has been one of the few consistent standouts this season - win or lose - and was last year's Dally M Medal winner, as the competition's Most Valuable Player.
"Roger's been their best player all year and if he's unable to play this weekend, it's a huge blow," says Morgan. "He's been integral to their side for the past 12-18 months and he's already proved this year that he's their main man.
"The timing couldn't be any worse for him to miss a game, coming off a loss and the Warriors not taking great form into the match."
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