NRL: Banned Warriors players issue apology, back in the frame for Panthers clash

The six banned Warriors players, including Manu Vatuvei and Konrad Hurrell, have been reintegrated into the club's NRL squad ahead of Saturday's clash against Penrith in Christchurch. Photo/Getty.

The six Warriors players punished for breaking team protocol have been reintegrated into the club's NRL squad and today apologised to the club's staff, sponsors and members.

The Warriors today confirmed Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson, Konrad Hurrell, Sam Lisone and Albert Vete are all eligible for selection for Saturday's round 10 NRL match against Penrith in Christchurch.

Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden will name his squad for the Panthers clash tomorrow afternoon.

The players were all dropped to reserve grade and missed last week's 26-10 NRL win over St George Illawarra, before being stood down from test eligibility for last week's representative round, after five of the group admitted to abusing prescription pills and energy drinks on an unsanctioned late night out, two days after their embarrassing 42-0 Anzac Day defeat to Melbourne Storm.

Vatuvei, who spent the past week on medical leave, returned to the squad today while the other five players all resumed training last week.

The group had already apologised to their families, team-mates and the club's football staff and today issued a further apology to the club's wider staff, sponsors, members and fans via a prepared statement.

"We're sorry for the embarrassment we've caused everyone who works for and supports the club," the apology read.

"We didn't meet club standards and know how much we have disappointed our families, teammates, staff, sponsors, members and fans. Most of all, we let ourselves down.

"We have a lot of work to do to regain respect from those around us but we are fully committed to showing them how much they mean to us and how much we care for our club.

"We'd like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last week, especially the people at the club. Now we just want to look ahead and do all we can to help our team and the club."

Warriors managing director Jim Doyle said discussions with the players were ongoing.
"We continue to work with them on welfare and education matters," he said.

"We've also readdressed team standards with the entire squad."

Following a difficult two weeks of unrelenting media attention, McFadden said his sole focus was now on football.

"Today is very much about moving forward for us as a club with a huge game this weekend against Penrith in Christchurch," he said.

"While there is much we have learned from the past week, we are committed to ensuring we have a squad fully focused on the primary role of preparing for and playing against the Panthers this week."