League: Kemp seeking a perfect combo

When coach Tony Kemp announced his side this week, more than a few eyebrows went skyward.

Out went the erratic Clinton Toopi and back in came Stacey Jones and Sione Faumuina.

Fair enough, you might say, but it was the jerseys each player will wear against the Roosters today that triggered curiosity.

Lance Hohaia, a halfback, will play at hooker; Faumuina, a centre/second-rower, will play at five-eighth; and Jerome Ropati, a five-eighth, will play at centre.

Furthermore, Louis Anderson reverts back to his more favoured position in the second row where he will be joined by Richard Villasanti, whiel Awen Guttenbeil and Karl Temata are demoted to the bench.

The Warriors haven't been very stable so far this season and it goes a long way to explaining their record of three wins and five losses. Just in the halves in their eight games to date (they also had a bye), they've started with four different combinations - Jones and Hohaia, Jones and Ropati, Jones and Fien, Hohaia and Ropati - and today Jones and Faumuina will attempt to solve the puzzle that Kemp has been struggling to piece together.

Likewise, Hohaia will today become the fourth player tried at hooker following Nathan Fien, Tevita Latu and Anderson.

Admittedly injuries and suspensions have played their part but there's no denying they've struggled for stability in the most influential positions on the park.

And in many ways the availability of Jones, Faumuina and Latu forced Kemp to make changes to the side that went down 28-24 to the Sharks last weekend. Kemp is relaxed about the side that will run out at Ericsson Stadium today and refutes suggestions they were the actions of a man panicking under pressure.

"We spoke about playing Sione as a six in the off-season," Kemp said. "He's played there for New Zealand and he plays a natural game at No 6 because he floats around a lot and creates things for other players.

"I think my hand was forced a bit having dropped Clinton Toopi, so it was either Sione or Jerome [to play at five-eighth] and I think Sione offers us a little bit more in terms of experience.

"I would like to settle on a combination at 9, 7, 6 and 1 - and if you look at the teams that are doing well they have a settled look to them but we haven't had that luxury.

"Sometimes I think it's a little unfair on the players [to chop and change] and you think that maybe you're asking a bit too much of them but, in Lance's case, everything he's been asked to do he's stepped up and answered."

Faumuina will undoubtedly bring a presence to the five-eighth position where his experience as a centre/second-rower will mean he will run at the line with confidence. But his organisational skills and kicking will come under examination.

Hohaia has played for the Kiwis as a hooker, when he filled in there against France in 2002, but he covets time at halfback where he has played most of his career.

Last week the 22-year-old had one of his best games in a Warriors jersey, in his preferred position, although he realises he's unlikely to dethrone Stacey Jones this season. Hohaia was incisive with ball in hand, his kicking improved as the game wore on and he also posted a perfect goalkicking record.

He's understandably diplomatic about being asked to fill in at hooker, although Kemp sees a long-term future for him there.

"I want to be in the team somewhere and it just happens to be at hooker this week," said Hohaia, who is likely to continue with the goalkicking duties, despite the return of Jones. "It's a bit of a change but I have played a test there against France in 2002. It's also exciting because you get your hands on the ball more. The games I remember playing well in have been ones when I've been involved a lot.

"Kempy put the idea to me a couple of weeks ago to see if I would be interested in playing at No 9, and I said I would."

Kemp is aware of the pressure mounting around him and is equally aware that the only way it will subside is if his side posts a run of wins. "I'm a realist and the more losses I get, the more I'm going to be under the spotlight," he said.

"I know with the systems we have in place that things will turn at some stage. It's not as if we're being flogged every week and we just need to take the next step and put our authority on matches."

Today the Warriors face a wounded Roosters side also struggling to get on a roll, ninth on the table with four wins and five losses. Both sides are desperate to win to kick-start their season or they risk life in mid-table mediocrity.

And no one wants that.

Warriors second-rower Wairangi Koopu has turned down interest from five NRL and two UK Super League clubs to re-sign with the Warriors.

The 25-year-old is expected to finally put pen to paper on a three-year deal tomorrow.

Koopu's teammate Evarn Tuimavave has been given permission to speak with NRL clubs to find a new deal.

The 21-year-old prop is well down the pecking order at the Warriors behind the likes of Steve Price, Ruben Wiki, Iafeta Paleaaesina and Richard Villasanti.

Three NRL clubs are understood to be enquiring about the youngster, who is currently playing with the Marist Richmond Brothers in the Bartercard Cup.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY