League: Vatuvei and Ropati ruled out of Warriors match

The New Zealand Warriors suffered two late injury blows on the eve of their National Rugby League match against Manly in Auckland today.

Blockbusting winger Manu Vatuvei and standoff Jerome Ropati were both ruled out after suffering hamstring injuries during the team's final training yesterday.

It meant Richard Ah Van, 18, would make his first grade debut for the Warriors on the left wing, Sione Faumuina moved from the bench to standoff and prop Richard Villasanti came into the reserves.

- NZPA