League: Centre set for debut in forwards

Simon Mannering

Warriors centre Simon Mannering could be thrust into the forwards for the first Tri Nations test against Australia on Saturday for what would be his test debut.

The 20-year-old has played all his 24 NRL games at centre and even bumped Clinton Toopi out of the side earlier this year. But he played in the forwards as a junior in Nelson and the Warriors coaching staff see his future in the forwards.

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan has a history of experimenting and moved Bradford centre Shontayne Hape into lock forward for the 2005 Tri Nations final.

Without the hard-working Louis Anderson and the incomparable Sonny Bill Williams, McClennan has had to reassess his options and probably needs someone in the loose forwards who can play the full 80 minutes.

Mannering is strong defensively and, in the modern game, there is often little difference between loose forward and centre.

The Kiwis squad has already been reduced to 23, with news David Solomona has withdrawn because of a bicep injury. The Wakefield utility underwent surgery this week but has not be replaced in the squad.

Jason Cayless (St Helens) and Motu Tony (Hull) are unavailable for the opening test and probably the second against Australia in Melbourne, because of the Super League grand final.

Warriors hooker Nathan Fien has been in camp with the side and there are hopes he will have recovered from his back injury in time for the second test.

Team-mate Lance Hohaia is among a handful of players on standby should the squad be hit by further injuries.

Possible Kiwis side

1. Brent Webb
2. Tame Tupou
3. Iosia Soliola
4. Steve Matai
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Nigel Vagana
7. Stacey Jones
8. Ruben Wiki
9. Dene Halatua
10. Roy Asotasi
11. David Kidwell
12. Frank Pritchard
13. Simon Mannering

Reserves: Jerome Ropati, Awen Guttenbeil, Nathan Cayless, David Fa'alogo