NRL: Origin duo given green light to back-up for Warriors

Ryan Hoffman of the Blues is tackled during game one of the State of Origin series. Photo / Getty

Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman both emerged unscathed from last night's State of Origin opener and will turn out for the Warriors in Sunday's clash against the Newcastle Knights.

NSW back-rower Hoffman worked tirelessly over 80 minutes, getting through 15 runs and 31 tackles, while front-rower, Lillyman, saw 25 minutes of action off the Maroons' bench to make seven runs and 19 tackles.

Coach Andrew McFadden is confident the pair will have no problems backing up four days later and is looking for them to lead the way for the Warriors' forwards against an aggressive Knights' pack.

"Our medical staff have contacted theirs (Queensland and NSW) and both should be fit and right to go this weekend," McFadden said.

"Traditionally with those guys they can back up from Origin. It's probably the week after where they feel it so we'll definitely have to monitor how they feel and their energy.

"Our forwards are definitely going to have to set the platform this weekend, so we've got Ryan against Beau Scott and that will be a great match-up.

"But both are professionals and I'm expecting both to play well."

Fullback Sam Tomkins and winger Manu Vatuvei have also been given the green light to start the match as they return from respective knee and sternum injuries.

Both players completed a rugged training hit-out this morning and despite not being fully fit will take their places as the Warriors look to secure a third straight win following last weekend's bye round.

"Both had a really good hit-out today," McFadden explained.

"It's probably fair to say the both of them aren't exactly 100 percent but they're close enough and both are very confident to play.

"I think Sam's not going to be at 100 percent for the rest of the year. Most guys that come back from PCL injuries generally have to carry it for quite a while.

"We'll commit to it now and there would have to be some other circumstances to rule them out now."

Tomkins' presence will boost the Warriors attack but his communication, particularly on defence, that benefits the team most.

"He's really sparked everyone up this week. Tui [Lolohea] has done a terrific job but Sam's just go a different level in him and his talk, both in attack and defence, is critical for us. He's very excited to get back out there."

The grinding nature of the two wins over Cronulla (20-16) and Parramatta (17-13) had revealed improvements in the Warriors' defence and McFadden was looking for a similar effort this weekend.

"We've just got to continue focusing on our defensive performance. The reason we won those last two games is because we were really tough and gritty in defence.

"We leaked 32-points to the Titans the last time we were at Mt Smart so that's really unacceptable so there's a big focus around that.

"It's important that we start to build some momentum at this time of year. We've had two tough wins but it can all come undone if we have a poor performance this weekend so we need to really get on a run now and build some confidence."