KEY POINTS:
New fullback Wade McKinnon has been named to make his first appearance for the Warriors when they face North Queensland Cowboys in their first National Rugby League trial in Mackay tomorrow night.
The 25-year-old, who has played 77 first-grade games for South Sydney and Parramatta, sat out last Sunday's 64-4 outing against the Auckland Lions.
McKinnon is one of four off-season signings set to face the Cowboys.
Former Parramatta and Manly pivot, Michael Witt, will again start at standoff while ex-Wests Tigers winger Michael Crockett and long-time Canterbury Bulls loose forward Corey Lawrie are both on the interchange bench.
Other features of the run-on side named today by coach Ivan Cleary include the return of front-line players Steve Price, Ruben Wiki, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Luck and Simon Mannering.
Price and Wiki start in the front row as usual, Vatuvei is in for Crockett who played against the Lions, Luck comes in at loose forward and Mannering is in the centres with Tony Martin.
Included in the North Queensland side is former Canberra standoff, Jason Smith, while Sione Faumuina, whose contract was terminated by the Warriors last year, is included on the bench.
The Warriors return home on Sunday to prepare for their second and final trial against the Bulldogs at North Harbour Stadium on March 3.
They start the NRL season against Parramatta at Mount Smart Stadium on March 17.
Warriors: Wade McKinnon, Todd Byrne, Tony Martin, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Ruben Wiki, George Gatis, Steve Price (captain), Epalahame Lauaki, Sam Rapira, Micheal Luck, Lance Hohaia, Evarn Tuimavave, Sonny Fai, Corey Lawrie, Nathan Fien, Michael Crockett.
- NZPA
