KEY POINTS:
Wade McKinnon has been confirmed as a starter for today's crucial match with Manly after coming through training yesterday.
The exciting fullback has missed the past two matches with an ankle injury but he looks set to take his place in the side today for a match they must win if they want to finish in the top four. A win will also secure their place in the top-eight playoffs.
Coach Ivan Cleary yesterday confirmed his 17 for the match, with Todd Byrne, Louis Anderson and Lance Hohaia dropping out of the squad. Byrne is likely to once again fill in for McKinnon if the Australian pulls up lame this morning.
Manly travelled with 19 players yesterday and could make further changes to their side today. Five players have so far been withdrawn from the side named last Tuesday because of injuries.
The Warriors were yesterday preparing for the unexpected, given that Manly are desperate to win and regain momentum heading into the playoffs.
Today's match is a sellout and, while he didn't go so far as to say it, Steve Price would love to think it might play some part in influencing referee Paul Simpkins.
The Warriors have been on the end of some rough home-town calls this season that have proved crucial in the outcome of a handful of games. At the very least, Price hopes the crowd can create an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors.
"I have played here when there have been about 25,000 [spectators] and it's very intimidating," he said. "I'm sure the ref might feel the same.
"For any opponent, it's very intimidating when the grandstands are so close to the ground and they're full of very passionate supporters."
The 1977 Auckland team, who beat Australia, Great Britain and France in the space of 21 days, will be honoured before the match.
Teams:
Warriors: Wade McKinnon, Michael Crockett, Jerome Ropati, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Sam Rapira, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (c), Ruben Wiki, Logan Swann, Micheal Luck, George Gatis, Wairangi Koopu, Epalahame Lauaki, Evarn Tuimavave.
Sea Eagles: (from) Michael Robertson, Michael Bani, Steve Matai, Steve Menzies, Chris Hicks, Jamie Lyon, Matt Orford (c), Mark Bryant, Michael Monaghan, Adam Cuthbertson, Anthony Watmough, Jack Afamasaga, Matt Ballin, Glenn Hall, Jason King, Clint Halden, Travis Burns, Jason Wells, Vic Mauro (two to be omitted).
