League: Warriors focus on developing teenage second-rower Isaiah Papali'i

Isaiah Papali'i. Photo / Photosport

A new focus on the Warriors' left-side attack has allowed teenage second-rower Isaiah Papali'i to prove there is much more to his game than just tackles and hit-ups.

The Warriors red-hot start to the season saw them direct much of their play down the star studded right edge featuring Shaun Johnson, Tohu Harris and try-scoring machine David Fusitu'a.

Ahead of today's clash against the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium, coach Stephen Kearney explained a recent change in emphasis has seen the left edge fed more ball to allow Papali'i's game to flourish in just his second season of first grade.

The 19-year-old has quickly earned a reputation as a tireless worker in defence and a strong ball-runner, but recent games against the Sharks and Broncos have showcased his ability to offload and spread the ball to create tries for his centre partner Solomone Kata.

"We looked at our attacking structure and the right-edge was getting a bit of air time and we weren't going to the left as often, so we needed to balance that out," said Kearney.

"In the last few weeks we've looked to do that and it's been a conscious work-on for us and Isaiah has got the capabilities.

"We've just got to keep reminding ourselves that he's still only 19 and we're trying to push stuff on him pretty quickly but it's all a really good part of his learning and development."

The Warriors have injury concerns with hooker Issac Luke (calf) and Harris (knee) both sidelined but Papali'i feels he is hitting his straps physically after overcoming a knee injury suffered in the round two win over the Titans.

The eighth-placed Warriors yesterday plugged the gaps with bench utility Jazz Tevaga promoted into the No 9 role and three-game rookie Joseph Vuna into the second-row, as they look to bounce back from last week's loss to Melbourne.

"I'm back to 100 per cent," said Papali'i.

"I don't take notice of it anymore which is definitely a good sign. It's been coming along really well and the rest of the body is holding up well.

"[I didn't come back injured] but wasn't 100 per cent. But all of that was part of the healing process so to feel back to 100 per cent is good."

Papali'i goes about his business with little fuss or fanfare and is yet to win the type of praise that Australian commentators like to direct towards his Titans opposite and fellow second-year rookie Keegan Hipgrave.

Kearney prefers his players go under the radar but says Papali'i's break-out season hasn't gone unnoticed by rival coaches, including Storm mentor Craig Bellamy.

"I do like it that way. But I was talking to [Bellamy] on the weekend and he mentioned Isaiah so he's not going under the radar for some.

"I made the point that we've got some young kids here and he said 'well there are some good ones' and Isaiah was the name that he mentioned.

"That's what I like about Ice, he just goes about his business and does it well.

"He's a good learner and I enjoy working with him. He's got a bright future with the club."

Titans v Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium, Sunday, 4pm

Titans: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Anthony Don 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Brenko Lee 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Keegan Hipgrave 13. Jai Arrow
Interchange: 14. Mitch Rein 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Jack Stockwell 17. Will Matthews 19. Brendan Elliott 21. Kane Elgey

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. David Fusitu'a 3. Gerard Beale 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Gavet 14. Jazz Tevaga 10. Agnatius Paasi 11. Isaiah Papali'i 16. Joseph Vuna 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 15. Sam Lisone 17. Bunty Afoa 20. Karl Lawton 21. Leivaha Pulu 18. Peta Hiku 22. Mason Lino

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Phil Henderson