League: Warriors have front row grunt, says coach

Sam Rapira. Photo / Getty Images

Injured Kiwis international Sam Rapira and Queensland Origin rep Jacob Lillyman are among the best - and busiest - front rowers in the game. How the Warriors cope with their absence, as well as that of workhorse lock Micheal Luck, will likely determine their fate tomorrow.

Coach Brian McClennan has remained steadfast in his belief his replacement big men are up to the job.

"Injuries can create pressure if you haven't got contingency plans, but we have," McClennan said. "We've got some fine boys stepping up to do the job."

Russell Packer, with Ben Matulino inherits the job of senior prop. In 2010, he pointed out, the club went the whole season without Steve Price, while Rapira was again also hobbled for a good chunk of that campaign.

"The depth of the squad is going to get tested all the time," Packer said with shrug. "People are going to have to step up anyway, no matter how many games you have played or what your status in the game is.

"People have got to perform every week and that is what Bluey is picking the team on. I've just got to do my job and hopefully I do a good one."

While Kiwis internationals Packer and Matulino are no stranger to the task, the same can't be said of back-ups Ukuma Ta'ai and Sione Lousi - converted backrowers unaccustomed to big minutes on a big stage.

Off-season surgery to treat compartment syndrome means Packer should at least be plying his trade without having to deal with the crushing pressure on his lower legs. Last year the 22-year-old would typically remove his boots after each shift on the field to help ease the pain. He got through all but one of the team's 28 games and played well enough to earn his first Kiwis call-up, then had surgery almost immediately after returning for Europe.

"The missus was stoked about that - two months away and then three days at home and I was bedridden for two weeks," he said. "Nah, it's all good. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

"It was something that I had to try to manage. It got pretty sore sometimes but you can't moan about it too much unless you don't want to play.

"It felt a lot better in the trial games. I had quite intrusive surgery three months ago so there is always going to be a little bit of pain but that should iron itself out."

Another player sure to under the pump is Elijah Taylor, one of last year's breakthrough stars. As Luck's replacement, Taylor inherits the job of marshalling the middle of the defensive line again the multiple threats of the reigning premiers.

"Be tight in the middle, make sure the ruck is nice and tight and keep talking to the big boys," is how Taylor described his assignment.