NRL: Vatuvei likely to return this week

Manu Vatuvei. Photo / Getty Images

Winger Manu Vatuvei is rated a certainty to return to the field while the outlook is hopeful for both captain Simon Mannering and centre Konrad Hurrell as the Warriors look to their round 21 NRL clash against Manly at Patersons Stadium in Perth on Saturday.

Only interchange forward Steve Rapira is definitely unavailable for the trip after he was forced to pull out of Saturday night's 24-19 loss to the Newcastle when he picked up a hamstring injury late in the team's pre-match warm-up just minutes before kick-off.

Rapira was replaced by 18th man Sam Lousi, who became Warrior No 175 when he took the field in the 72nd minute and it remains unclear how long Rapira will be unavailable for.

Vatuvei was withdrawn from the Newcastle game after tweaking a hamstring late in last week's loss to Brisbane.

Warriors doctor John Mayhew said the 26-year-old winger was all set to make his return against the Sea Eagles as he continues his quest to become the first player in the club's history to score 100 NRL tries.

His career tally sits on 98 after he has scored eight tries in 14 matches this season.

Mannering was helped off the field after injuring his right ankle in the dying stages of Saturday's match but fears of a serious setback were later allayed.

The ultra-reliable leader is rated a decent chance to recover for the Manly contest.

Likewise Hurrell, who returned against Newcastle after missing the Brisbane encounter with a foot injury.

He appeared to be troubled by the injury at times last night but he saw out the match and it's hoped he'll also be cleared to take on Manly.