League: Four new faces in Warriors line-up

New Zealand Warriors coach Tony Kemp has a near-fully fit squad to pick from for the National Rugby League club's opening match of the season against Manly on Sunday.

Each of the four new signings will make his debut for the match in Auckland.

That includes new captain Steve Price, 31, who is back in full training after being hampered by some soreness in his right shin.

Prop Price will run on to Ericsson Stadium on Sunday in his first appearance for his new club after 11 seasons and 222 games with the Bulldogs.

Prop-secondrower Ruben Wiki, after 225 matches for Canberra, hooker Nathan Fien, who had 91 matches for North Queensland, and winger Todd Byrne, with 61 matches for the Roosters, will also make their Warriors debuts.

Former Kiwi international Sione Faumuina is just back into full training after shoulder surgery and will not be considered for this match while utility forward Karl Temata is also out for the opening round with a cheekbone injury.

The only other player in the top squad not in contention is winger Misi Taulapapa, who missed the pre-season trials against Parramatta and the New Zealand President's Selection after breaking a thumb in training.

The Warriors beat the Eels 20-10 and the President's side 58-6 in the pre-season.

The full team is: Brent Webb, Todd Byrne, Tony Martin, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Lance Hohaia, Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (captain), Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu and Monty Betham.

The interchange bench is: Iafeta Paleaaesina, Jerome Ropati, Louis Anderson and Richard Villasanti.

- NEWSTALK ZB