NRL: New boys too good to leave out

Warriors captain Simon Mannering (left) and coach Brian McClennan see the funny side at yesterday's season launch in Auckland. Photo / Sarah Ivey

One has been long touted as a future first grader, the other has virtually come from nowhere. But both Konrad Hurrell and Ben Henry have forced their way into the Warriors line-up for Sunday's NRL season-opener against Manly at Eden Park the same way - by being too good to leave out.

"They've both been really impressive and have thoroughly earned selection," Brian McClennan said after naming the team for his first NRL match as Warriors coach. "It's so exciting for them, their families and for us as a club to have them making their debuts in our first game of the season."

Exciting is certainly the right word for Hurrell, who burst on to the scene last year with a string of remarkable performances for the club's championship-winning U20s side after being plucked from the Auckland Grammar First XV. The hulking Tongan scored 22 tries in 21 games, breaking the most tackles in the competition in the process.

Still considered raw heading into 2012, Hurrell's progress throughout the pre-season campaign has been irresistible. His selection relegated last year's finals hero Krisnan Inu to an extended seven-man bench.

The mercurial Inu now finds himself on the outer for a season-opening game for the second straight year, although McClennan has left the door slightly ajar for a recall.

"We haven't quite settled on the final line-up yet," he said. "We have a few things to consider and we'll make a final decision closer to the time."

While Hurrell's ascent has been dramatic, Henry's has been measured. Earmarked for big things as a 17-year-old, Henry played a club record 64 games at the junior level, many of them as captain during the last two title-winning campaigns.

New recruit Nathan Friend, who has played 135 matches for Brisbane, Melbourne and Gold Coast, will make his club debut at hooker, while veteran centre Jerome Ropati returns after making a successful recovery from a knee reconstruction.

With front row candidates Jacob Lillyman, Sam Rapira and Steve Rapira all sidelined with injury, McClennan has named Sione Lousi and Ukuma Ta'ai to provide support for frontline props Russell Packer and Ben Matulino.

Senior referees Tony Archer and Ben Cummins have been named to control the match.

Watmough: Manly stars will stay

Senior Manly forward Anthony Watmough is confident the NRL premiers will retain their off-contract stars.

Since the departure of coach Des Hasler to Canterbury shortly after defeating the Warriors in last year's grand final, the Sea Eagles have had to endure several rumours linking their stars to rival NRL clubs.

Sought-after halves Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans have attracted the most attention, while Brett and Glenn Stewart have also been rumoured to be on the Bulldogs' radar.

But Watmough expects new Manly coach Geoff Toovey to secure their services long-term.

"People aren't going to leave the club for 20 or 30 grand ... they're going to stick solid," said Watmough. "You can ask any of the boys in our team - they don't want to leave unless they have to. If the club can do right by them and get them to near what they're worth they're not going to go.

"That's the good thing about the boys. We'll always be there at the end of the day. And whatever happens, we're all mates and that's what will come through at the end."

Watmough also described the role head trainer Don Singe had played in making sure Manly's off-season remained smooth despite the upheaval caused by the exit of Hasler, assistant coach Kelly Egan, recruitment officer Noel Cleal and video analyst Will Badel - all to the Bulldogs.

Watmough said Singe's ruthless pre-season training regime had removed any doubt that the Sea Eagles' fitness levels would drop without Hasler.

- AAP

WARRIORS

Eden Park, 2pm Sunday

Kevin Locke
Bill Tupou
Konrad Hurrell
Jerome Ropati
Manu Vatuvei
James Maloney
Shaun Johnson
Russell Packer
Nathan Friend
Ben Matulino
Feleti Mateo
S. Mannering (c)
Elijah Taylor

Warriors: Lewis Brown, Sione Lousi, Ben Henry, Ukuma Ta'ai, Glen Fisiiahi, Krisnan Inu, Alehana Mara.

MANLY

Brett Stewart
Michael Oldfield
Jamie Lyon (c)
Steve Matai
David Williams
Kieran Foran
D. Cherry-Evans
Jason King (c)
Matt Ballin
Brent Kite
A. Watmough
Tony Williams
Glenn Stewart

Manly: Jamie Buhrer, Vic Mauro, Darcy Lussick, George Rose, Jorge Taufua.