League: Warriors name Kiwis on bench in enlarged squad

Issac Luke in action for the Kiwis in their test against England in Denver. Photo / Getty Images

The three Kiwi representatives have been named on an extended Warriors bench in the side to play the Cronulla Sharks in Auckland on Friday night.

Despite delays to their outbound flights from Denver Issac Luke, Peta Hiku and Ken Maumalo have all been named in coach Stephen Kearney's wider squad side to face the 2016 premiers although Kearney will wait to assess each player before deciding whether they will take the field.

The Kiwis played England in the controversial mid-season fixture in Denver on Sunday morning and were due to fly home on Monday only for an electrical storm to knock out the control tower at the airport and prevent them flying to San Francisco as planned. With no other flights available to connect to Sydney, players spent the night at a hotel near the airport but the majority departed today and are due home early tomorrow, including the Warriors contingent.

Manly forward Martin Taupau was left behind however as he waited to get back to join his club and is still waiting to get on a plane.

Samoan internationals Bunty Afoa, James Gavet and Isaiah Papali'i will all back up from their test against Tonga in Sydney.

Kearney was able to name all of his rep players with the NRL allowing sides that had four or more players involved in representative weekend to name a larger squad of 23 rather than the usual 21.

"With the injury concerns we've had, we felt it was important to name the Kiwi boys in our extended squad," Kearney said.

"But the reality is we haven't even laid eyes on them yet. They'll be home tomorrow after being delayed in the States and we will then make a decision on whether they will play later in the week."

Skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, outside back Gerard Beale, halfback Shaun Johnson and second rower Tohu Harris have all been named after sitting out the Kiwis match while David Fusitua and Solomone Kata have been named after recovering from injuries.

Fusitua missed the club's win over the Cowboys in Townsville while Kata hurt his hamstring during that contest.

Forward Adam Blair is suspended and wasn't named with Simon Mannering starting at lock in his place.

Karl Lawton (hooker) and Anthony Gelling (centre) were included in the starting side but could make way for the Kiwi players should they be deemed fit to play.

Jazz Tevaga also returns to the mix after a recent shoulder operation.

Kearney will reduce his squad to 19, as per NRL rules, 24 hours out from Friday night's kick off.

The Warriors will face a Sharks side buoyed by the arrival of former NSW and Australian prop Aaron Woods, who joined after getting a release from his Bulldogs contract on Tuesday.

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (captain), 2. David Fusitua, 3. Anthony Gelling, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Gerard Beale, 6. Blake Green, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. James Gavet, 9. Karl Lawton, 10. Agnatius Paasi, 11. Isaiah Papali'i, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Simon Mannering. Bench: Sam Cook, Chris Satae, Bunty Afoa, Jazz Tevaga, Blake Ayshford, Sam Lisone, Albert Vete, Peta Hiku, Issac Luke, Ken Maumalo (six to be omitted).