NRL: Ropati returns for Warriors

Captain Simon Mannering tees off during a Warriors NRL golf day at Titirangi Golf Club yesterday. Photo / Getty Images

Jerome Ropati will play his first game in 10 months and Todd Lowrie his first for his new club when the Warriors take on the Brisbane Broncos in Saturday night's pre-season match in Dunedin.

Ropati was last year sidelined by a knee injury in the club's 10th-round match against the Sydney Roosters.

The 28-year-old has been named on the bench for his planned return in the Warriors' final trial.

Lowrie missed last weekend's trial against Hamilton when he returned home after the death of his grandfather but will line up at loose forward in his first outing for the Warriors after joining the club from Melbourne.

Also returning are Sam and Steve Rapira, who were ruled out of the Hamilton hit-out after being named originally.

Warriors team to play Brisbane at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday, kick-off 7.30pm, is: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (c), Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Glen Fisiiahi, Charlie Gubb, Sam Rapira, Carlos Tuimavave, Alehana Mara, Jerome Ropati, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Steve Rapira.

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