NRL: Rookie prop fronts up to Warriors

Dave Tyrell originally played wing for the Rabbitohs but will start at prop against the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire is confident winger-turned-front-rower Dave Tyrell is good enough to handle the Warriors' giant pack in Auckland on Sunday.

Souths' dwindling forward stocks took a further hit last Friday with Roy Asotasi tearing a pectoral muscle to join injured props Sam and Luke Burgess on the sidelines.

It forced Maguire to start Tyrell, who joined the club in 2008 as winger, in the front-row for the first time in his NRL career.

However, the former Wigan coach believes he's up to the task of facing Ben Mautilino, Russell Packer and co.

The young Queenslander has switched between the front and back-row from the bench this season, and Maguire said he fully deserves his place in the run-on side.

"Dave has been growing in each game, he worked really hard in pre-season and it's one bloke who has been in the background and gone a bit unrecognised," Maguire said.

"He's been coming off the bench and playing some good footy and now he has got his opportunity starting and I am looking forward to see how he goes.

"He reminds me all the time about being an ex-winger, but he deserves all the rewards he gets as he's worked really hard."

Souths were well beaten by the Warriors in a trial match in February and it gave Maguire an indication as to what to expect at Mount Smart Stadium.

However, with two successive victories under their belt, the Rabbitohs' coach said his side will head across the Tasman with no fear.

"They're a big pack, we played them in a trial and they showed how strong they can be," he said.

"But we need to keep working hard at what we have been doing for the last few games and I am sure we'll be fine."

- AAP