NRL: McKinnon dropped for being late

A breach of team protocol has seen Wade McKinnon dumped from the side named to face the Titans on Sunday. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Fullback Wade McKinnon has been dropped by the New Zealand Warriors for breaking the National Rugby League club's protocols.

McKinnon was late for a recovery session in Sydney on Sunday after the Warriors' 32-32 extra-time draw with Penrith the previous night.

Coach Ivan Cleary said today that it was disappointing McKinnon had to be stood down from the side to face Gold Coast in Auckland on Sunday.

"He has been playing strongly for us but we expect our players to abide by the team protocols we have in place," he said.

McKinnon's misdemeanour means a backline reshuffle with winger Kevin Locke going to his preferred position of fullback and Patrick Ah Van returning to the side on the wing.

In other changes, Elijah Taylor will make his NRL debut, replacing Kiwi Jerome Ropati in the centres.

At 19, Taylor, who can also operate at five-eighth and in the back row, will still be eligible next season for the Junior Warriors, the side he skippers.

He becomes the eighth Junior Warrior to be promoted to first grade since the National Youth Competition began last year.

He also becomes the eighth Warrior to make his NRL debut this season.

At five-eighth, Aaron Heremaia, who has been used mainly at hooker, comes in for youngster Isaac John, who drops out of the 17.

There is also a change at hooker, with Ian Henderson being replaced by Lewis Brown, who will get a chance in his favoured dummy-half role after having impressed in the second row.

Brown's move from the bench to the starting 13 means Ukuma Ta'ai comes back on to the interchange.

Skipper Steve Price, who missed the match against the Panthers, remains sidelined with a rib cartilage injury.

In Price's absence, lock Micheal Luck will again assume the captaincy.

The competition's top tackler over the past two seasons, when his totals were 959 (in 2007) and 957, Luck looks set to break the 1000 barrier this year.

After making an NRL record 74 tackles in the 14-14 draw with Melbourne in April, he finished with 65 against Penrith to take his tally to 838 in 18 games, at an average of almost 47.

Next best on 770 is Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend.

Cleary said the selection changes gave the side a fresh balance.

"In Elijah's case, it's great that we're able to give a debut to another player who has come through our system," he said.

"In the last two seasons, we've seen the benefits of the NYC competition and the chance it has given us to bring through local players."

New Zealand Warriors: Kevin Locke, Patrick Ah Van, Elijah Taylor, Joel Moon, Manu Vatuvei, Aaron Heremaia, Stacey Jones, Sam Rapira, Lewis Brown, Russell Packer, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Micheal Luck (captain). Interchange - Lance Hohaia, Evarn Tuimavave, Jacob Lillyman, Ukuma Ta'ai.
- NZPA