Warriors coach Stephen Kearney talks to the media ahead of Saturday's clash with Canberra.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is satisfied his forward depth will stand the test against a huge Raiders pack in Saturday's NRL clash in Canberra.
A knee injury to young Warriors second-rower Isaiah Papali'i in the early stages of Saturday's win over the Gold Coast has seen his replacement Leivaha Pulu named to start at GIO Stadium, with middle forward Agnatius Paasi coming on to the bench along with the versatile Jazz Tevaga.
The Raiders are hurting after conceding late tries to lose both their opening games against the Titans and Knights, and Kearney says his players know the size of the task awaiting them as they hunt for a third-straight victory.
"We know we're coming up against a tough side," Kearney said.
"Canberra are a big and physical side that's been beaten in the last couple of minutes by a couple of teams so they'll be very desperate."
Agnatius Paasi has played two ISP games after recovering from a knee injury. Photo / Photosport.
New signing Pulu produced a strong 72 minute performance against his former Titans side, and Kearney was confident he was ready to follow Papali'i's example and make the most of his chance in the No12 jersey.
"It's a great opportunity for Leivaha and the only reason Isaiah got the opportunity was that he performed really well," he said.
"That's what it's all about, the competition in the group, so I'm looking forward to seeing him play."
Pulu's former Gold Coast teammate Paasi is also primed for his first run after recovering from a medial ligament injury suffered early in the Warriors first pre-season trial against Melbourne last month.
"The reason why we got Agnatius here is we knew he had a really strong carry in him," explained Kearney.
"He worked really hard in the pre-season and has had two games in reserve grade and played big minutes and done well."
The 26-year-old is eager to add to his tally of games for the Warriors after making his first grade debut for the club against the Broncos back in 2014 before going on to play 54 matches for the Titans.
As circumstances proved last week, Paasi knows he could play limited minutes or a long stint if the side was hit with more injuries.
"You never know when you're on the bench, you just have to play each game and just wait for your chance," said Paasi.
"I'm feeling pretty confident with my knee. For the past five weeks I've been rehabbing it well and it's feeling 100 per cent.
"It's unfortunate that Ice (Papali'i) got the same injury that I had but that's left the door open for me.
"I was on the waiting list and played two games in ISP but I've just got to take my opportunities and stay up there now."
The Raiders will be hell-bent on claiming their first win of the season in front of their home fans and looking to improve their goal-line defence after leaking five tries in consecutive 30-28 defeats.
However, with a powerful forward rotation featuring Shannon Boyd, Iosia Soliola, Josh Papali'i and Junior Paulo, Paasi knows the Warriors will need to find another level to maintain their strong start to the season.
"They're a desperate team coming off two losses by just two points but we're building our confidence.
"We've just got to get down there and do our job, keep the foot on the throat and get that win."
Raiders v Warriors at GIO Stadium, Canberra – Saturday at 5pm
Raiders: 1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Aidan Sezer 7. Sam Williams 8. Iosia Soliola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12.Elliot Whitehead 13. Luke Bateman Interchange: 14. Blake Austin 15. Junior Paulo 16. Dunamis Lui 17.Liam Knight 18. Joseph Tapine 19. Ata Hingano 20. Michael Oldfield 21. Royce Hunt
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. David Fusitua 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6.Blake Green 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Gavet 9. Issac Luke 10. Adam Blair 11. Leivaha Pulu 12. Tohu Harris 13. Ligi Sao Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Agnatius Paasi 16. Sam Lisone 17.Bunty Afoa 18. Charnze Nicoll-klokstad 20. Anthony Gelling 21. Chris Satae 22. Mason Lino
