NRL: Ropati out with hamstring problem

Injury has forced centre Jerome Ropati out of the New Zealand Warriors' National Rugby League (NRL) match against the Bulldogs in Sydney tomorrow night.

The Warriors today said they decided not to risk Ropati, who had a tight hamstring.

With Ropati's withdrawal, hooker Ian Henderson and utility back Patrick Ah Van had been added to the squad.

Neither has appeared in the NRL yet this year.

Henderson suffered a knee injury in a trial match and returned to action last weekend playing in the Auckland Vulcans' win over Balmain Ryde in the New South Wales Cup.

Ah Van, usually a fullback or winger for the Warriors, has been used at five-eighth by the Vulcans this season.

Coach Ivan Cleary said he had yet to confirm his final line-up to face the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

- NZPA