KEY POINTS:
New signings Michael Witt, Michael Crockett, Corey Lawrie and Russell Packer were among the tryscorers in the New Zealand Warriors' 64-4 rugby league trial win over the Auckland Lions in Auckland today.
All four scored a try while Witt added five goals from five attempts in a warm-up for the team's two National Rugby League (NRL) trials against North Queensland in Mackay next Saturday and the Bulldogs in Auckland on March 3.
Coach Ivan Cleary fielded a squad missing captain Steve Price, vice-captain Ruben Wiki, off-season signings Logan Swann, Wade McKinnon and Aidan Kirk, Wairangi Koopu, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati, Nathan Fien, Simon Mannering, Micheal Luck and Patrick Ah Van.
Despite that the Warriors, boasting a line-up including 12 players with NRL experience, proved too well drilled for the Lions, who were also using the match as a trial ahead of their foray into the New South Wales premier league this year.
Cleary was pleased with the match.
"It was match that achieved the goal of giving new players and younger ones a run in a game situation," he said.
" It was certainly beneficial in showing us what various players have to offer, not just in their regular roles but in other positions, too."
New Zealand Warriors 64 (Lance Hohaia 3, Todd Byrne 2, Tony Martin, Corey Lawrie, Cooper Vuna, Michael Witt, George Gatis, Russell Packer, Michael Crockett tries; Michael Witt 5 goals, Tony Martin 3 goals) Auckland Lions 4 (Taavili Leaunoa try). Halftime: 30-0.
- NZPA
