NRL: Vatuvei travels with Warriors

Manu Vatuvei. Photo / Getty Images

Winger Manu Vatuvei flew with the New Zealand Warriors across the Tasman today, with the club saying the target was for him to return to National Rugby League action next week against Newcastle.

Vatuvei was among six players on the flight who were not named in the Warriors' 17 to play Gold Coast at Robina on Sunday.

The others are travelling as cover for five club-mates in the Kiwi squad for tonight's Anzac test against the Kangaroos at the Titans' home ground of Skilled park.

After playing Gold Coast, the Warriors will stay on in Australia to prepare for their away match against Newcastle.

Vatuvei, who has 19 Kiwi caps and is the leading tryscorer in the Warriors' history, has been sidelined since receiving a knee injury in the season-opening loss to Parramatta.

Coach Ivan Cleary had previously flagged the prospect of Vatuvei being in the travelling squad to Queensland, saying his presence would have a positive effect on the rest of the team.

The Warriors are unchanged for their match against the Titans, and their 17 includes skipper Simon Mannering, fellow centre Lewis Brown, fullback Lance Hohaia, and forwards Sam Rapira and Ben Matulino, all of whom were selected in the Kiwis' Anzac test squad.

Those providing cover are centre Joel Moon, winger Bill Tupou, halfback Shaun Johnson, second rower Sione Lousi and prop Jeremy Latimore.

- NZPA