NRL: Warriors Blake Green under no pressure to rush back to action

Blake Green. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

Injured Warriors five-eighth Blake Green is hoping to overcome a calf strain but says he is under no pressure to rush back for Friday's NRL clash against Canberra.

Both Green and sidelined centre Gerard Beale (hamstring) missed last week's thrilling win over Penrith and are racing to be fit to return to face the Raiders in the final round of the regular season at Mt Smart Stadium.

The pair were rested from training today after testing their legs out during a light run on Sunday and will hope for more signs of improvement tomorrow before coach Stephen Kearney makes a decision on his line-up.

Green is satisfied with his recovery so far since suffering the injury in the second-half of the Warriors round 23 loss to the Bulldogs, but hinted he would not be hurrying back if any lingering doubts remained over his fitness.

With the victory over the Panthers confirming the Warriors spot in the top eight and fill-in playmaker Mason Lino performing well in his absence, Green may give himself another week to ensure he is right for week one of the playoffs.

"I'm tracking ok," said Green.

"I'm glad the result over Penrith means I'm not under a huge amount of pressure to get back.

"I had a bit of an easy run yesterday and will have a faster run tomorrow and should know more then."

Kearney also hopes to get a clearer idea of the duo's status tomorrow while left wing Ken Maumalo has shown good signs in recovering from a knock to his shoulder.

"[Green and Beale] are ticking along ok," said Kearney.

"They ran yesterday so that's why they are inside today and we plan to have them join the group tomorrow. We'll know more tomorrow.

"Ken's pulled up ok. It's the same thing, we've just got to wait and see how he pulls up over the next day or so.

"He was a lot better at recovery on Saturday morning so it's just the process we have seeing how they turn up over the next couple of days."

The eighth-placed Warriors are looking to improve their ladder position to put themselves in contention to host a home final but remain wary of the 10th ranked Raiders.

The Ricky Stuart coached side are unpredictable but have the talent to spoil the party in what could be retiring club favourite Simon Mannering's last playing appearance in Auckland.

The visitors might be out of the finals race but will be looking to finish their campaign on a high and make it three in a row following back-to-back upset wins over the Roosters and Rabbitohs.

"The point I've pushed to the group is it's just about focusing on preparation and to perform well," said Kearney.

"That's one thing Simon has done all through his career. He's probably our most professional fella.

"What we've got control over is our preparation and our focus and that's all we'll do this week – is make sure we nail that to take out a performance against the Raiders on Friday."