NRL: McKinnon with squad for Storm showdown

Nathan Fien hasn't been ruled out. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Wade McKinnon flew to Melbourne with the Warriors yesterday afternoon, rated a chance to play against the Storm tomorrow.

As he continues recovery from a hamstring strain, the fact he's travelling with the top squad suggests he's close to a return and will definitely be back for their next game, away to the Dragons.

"Wade's coming with us as part of his rehab," said coach Ivan Cleary. "He should be fine for next week but he has to prove himself if we're going to use him this week."

They had some confidence in going to a venue where it was hard to win because of their even record against the Storm and after the 18-15 upset in the playoffs last season, Cleary said.

The rest are fit and expected to run out as named. Lance Hohaia said Cleary had already told him he would be playing regardless of McKinnon's situation. If the fullback did return, Hohaia would go to his usual spot as bench utility and the player most likely to be dropped would be Patrick Ah Van.

That would mean playing two little men from the bench along with a prop and a second rower, a shift away from the usual NRL bench which has long featured a hooker/half cover, two props and a second rower/prop.

All 16 teams are starting to experiment more with the interchange given the high speed of the play-the-ball and the opportunities created by fatigue under the two-referees system.

Nathan Fien said he had not received any offer from the Warriors to extend his contract. He was focused on hitting top form and wanted selection for the Kiwis in the Anzac test next month.

His manager Jim Banaghan continues to explore possibilities with other NRL clubs. Banaghan is expected in New Zealand next month to meet the Warriors regarding several players he handles.

Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah said they were not eager to spend right now. They had several contracts with juniors that would have to be upgraded so they stayed. They had not ruled Fien out entirely - "We understood he had offers he couldn't refuse elsewhere" - but there would be no move before May.

Prop Evarn Tuimavave awaits the outcome of a third scan on a bulging disc in his neck, the results of which will be known next week. He is also off-contract.