KEY POINTS:
The Warriors have continued with their theme of stability by extending the contract of young prop Sam Rapira through to the end of 2012.
Rapira, 20, had already agreed to stay until 2009 but the extension agreed yesterday now makes his contract one of the NRL's longest.
"Ivan Cleary and the coaching staff always saw immense potential in Sam and he has certainly delivered on it," said chief executive Wayne Scurrah. "We see Sam as one of the cornerstones on which the Warriors will be built in the years ahead."
Rapira earned test selection earlier this year and has lately been a starter in the Warriors front row.
Coach Cleary said Rapira was a good listener and eager to learn. He was "low maintenance". The length of the deal was pleasing because it showed both the club's faith in Rapira and his faith in the club.
Fullback Wade McKinnon ran in full training yesterday and said his injured ankle was "almost 100 per cent".
* New Kiwis coach Gary Kemble has started work early, meeting team management at the weekend to discuss details already in place for the October 14 tests against the Kangaroos in Wellington and the following tour to England.
Kemble's job officially began on Monday and he met team selectors to hear their initial thoughts on test candidates as the NRL and Super League wind up. As teams drop out of competition, those players in the international frame will be told to carry on training. Twenty-three are going to England.
Next year's World Cup will be a financial success returning profit to the Rugby League International Federation, its chairman Richard Lewis said yesterday.
The 10-team tournament, which kicks off with Australia against New Zealand in Sydney on October 25, will cost £9.7 million to run, Lewis said, but broadcasting rights had already ensured a return to the federation.
