NRL: Smith returns to face Warriors

Kiwis forward Jeremy Smith has not played since the round eight clash with the Warriors in Wollongong. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Kiwis forward Jeremy Smith has been named to return from a long injury layoff for National Rugby League (NRL) leaders St George-Illawarra against the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.

Smith has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the teams' previous meeting on May 3, which the Dragons won 12-11 in Wollongong.

The Kiwis player of the year in 2008 was then ruled out of the Anzac test five days later despite being named in the squad, and hasn't been sighted since.

He was named on a seven-man bench yesterday as he eyes his first NRL match in nearly three months.

Smith joins six Dragons teammates returning from either injuries or rep duties at Mt Smart Stadium as coach Wayne Bennett's powerful lineup come off the bye.

Fullback Darius Boyd and forwards Neville Costigan, Ben Creagh and Justin Poore return from State of Origin while prop Michael Weyman (ankle) and benchman Matt Prior (virus) were passed fit.

Kiwi Nathan Fien will start at hooker in his second match for the Dragons since he departed the Warriors.

Another Kiwis international Jason Nightingale (hand) and forward Mickey Paea (back) were ruled out.

The Dragons beat Manly 48-18 in their last match to stretch their winning streak to four. They lead the Bulldogs by two points on the NRL ladder, with 13 wins and just four losses.

Dragons
Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Beau Scott, Matt Cooper, Wendell Sailor, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (captain), Justin Poore, Nathan Fien, Michael Weyman, Dean Young, Ben Creagh, Neville Costigan. Interchange: Dan Hunt, Matt Prior, Luke Priddis, Jarrod Saffy, Jeremy Smith, Chase Stanley, Jon Green (three to be omitted).

Warriors
Wade McKinnon, Kevin Locke, Jerome Ropati, Joel Moon, Manu Vatuvei, Isaac John, Stacey Jones, Sam Rapira, Ian Henderson, Steve Price (captain), Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Micheal Luck.

Interchange: Patrick Ah Van, Lewis Brown, Lance Hohaia, Jacob Lillyman, Russell Packer, Jesse Royal.

- NZPA