NRL: Rapira to be fit to face Cowboys

Sam Rapira sustained a knee injury in the Anzac test. Photo / Getty Images

It's a relieved Warriors franchise this morning with news Sam Rapira should be back to play on Saturday night for the NRL home match against the Cowboys.

Rapira took a knock to the knee in the test loss to Australia and had it heavily iced as he limped around during post-match interviews. At the time, he held some minor concerns but was confident that after a few days off he should be back training by Wednesday.

Warriors management confirmed that scenario last night after Dr John Mayhew examined Rapira's knee on return from Melbourne.

It is welcome news given Manu Vatuvei and Brett Seymour also look set for returns after lengthy lay-offs, while veteran prop Steve Price remains out indefinitely with a heel injury in his final year at the club.

Rapira has averaged over 100 metres and upwards of 30 tackles per match for the Warriors this season and underlined that form in the test, with 114m and 36 tackles.

Of the other Kiwis who are supposed to be in action over the split round weekend, second-rower Zeb Taia is expected to miss Newcastle's match against the Gold Coast today. He has suffered a medial ligament strain to his knee.

For most, there is no rest. That is particularly so for Kieran Foran and Steve Matai, who turned out less than 24-hours later for the Manly-St George match last night, along with a number of Kangaroos.

It is a situation that doesn't look like being remedied any time soon, much to the frustration of Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney. He returns as the Storm's assistant coach against Brisbane today and would like to see some extra preparation time for the Anzac test - or a window found between NRL games - but acknowledges that is unrealistic.

"Ideally you would do it but our calendar is jam-packed as it is. Where would you fit it?"

In the meantime, players have to face up to the task. Up to 20 first-choice players were slated to turn out twice this weekend. Whether they actually do remains at clubs' discretion once bumps, bruises, and strains are assessed.