League: Wiki, Betham to return for Broncos clash

The Warriors expect to have experienced forwards Ruben Wiki and Monty Betham back when they host NRL leaders Brisbane next week.

Kiwi skipper Wiki and Betham were both late withdrawals from the side that went down to Parramatta in Hamilton on Saturday night, a result that left the Warriors anchored outside the top eight.

The pair were rested because of minor knee injuries but coach Tony Kemp expects them to be fit to face the Broncos. However, fellow forward Louis Anderson faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after dislocating his kneecap against the Eels.

There is also a question mark over fullback Brent Webb, who was put on a report for a high tackle on Nathan Hindmarsh.

The Warriors are in the midst of a tough three-week stretch. They are up against three of the NRL's top sides. Parramatta and Brisbane will be followed by North Queensland in Townsville in a fortnight.

The defeat to the Eels extended an unwanted record for the Warriors, who are still to win in New Zealand outside Auckland in nine attempts.

There was plenty of expansive attacking for the 17,142 fans to enjoy at a foggy Waikato Stadium. But it was the Eels, for whom Hindmarsh and half back Tim Smith played key roles, who came out ahead on the ledger by five tries to four to record their sixth win in a row. The Warriors raced to a 10-0 lead after tries to Clinton Toopi and Richard Villasanti, who made his 100th first-grade appearance.

But Parramatta struck back through winger Luke Burt in their first real attack and drew level when Hindmarsh forced his way over despite Webb's high tackle.

Although the Warriors hit the front again through winger Francis Meli, two quick tries late in the half put the Eels in control. Smith finished off an 80m move before a clever cross kick from five-eighth John Morris found centre Ben Smith unmarked in the corner..

Early in the second half, Smith sparked the game's best try with a surprise shallow crossfield kick in his own quarter to Daniel Wagon.

The move swept downfield until winger Matthew Petersen barged over. There was late consolation for the Warriors when winger Todd Byrne notched up his 12th try in his last 12 appearances. Kemp said he was disappointed with his players' defensive effort.

"We gave them a couple of soft tries just before half time and couldn't pull them back," he said.

Hindmarsh, who had helped New South Wales square the Origin series last week, said confidence was behind the Eels' winning streak after a slow start to the season. He admitted to doubts about Parramatta shifting the match to New Zealand. "I thought it was going to be a bit risky bringing a home game away, especially against the Warriors."

- NZPA