NRL: Sweet and sour news for Warriors on injury front

The Warriors have had a mix of sweet and sour news on the injury front, ahead of Friday's crucial clash with Penrith.

Tohu Harris is set to return from a knee injury, but senior half Blake Green will miss just his second match of the season, succumbing to a calf strain sustained in last Sunday's 27-26 loss to the Bulldogs.

Centre Gerard Beale has also been named, making a quick recovery after appearing to pick up a slight hamstring twinge at ANZ Stadium.

The return of Harris is vital. The right edge just hasn't been the same in his absence, as the Warriors have leaked plenty of tries down that flank and also struggled for offensive impact.

Harris needed minor surgery to repair a tear in his left knee after the round 16 match against Cronulla, before succumbing to the same complaint in his right knee ahead of the clash with the Dragons in Woollongong.

"He's pulled up pretty good," coach Stephen Kearney told Radio Sport. "He's obviously had a fair preparation and the injury wasn't quite as bad as the first knee injury that he had.

Barring any mishaps he will be good to take his place in the team."

With his lack of game time Harris has been named on the bench, with Kearney to decide later in the week. However the Kiwis second rower has superb natural fitness and mental resilience – similar to Simon Mannering – and it wouldn't surprise if he started.

Green's absence was signposted after he left the field in the second half last Sunday. It's a significant blow, though Kearney was hopeful the Australian would return for the final round of the season against Canberra.

"He's progressed pretty well," said Kearney. "He had something similar in the pre-season [and] it's a matter of how he pulls up. [We are] not going to rush him and we will tread lightly over the next couple of days."

Though Mason Lino is a capable deputy, he and Shaun Johnson have only played together once this season, and neither have the organisational ability of Green.

Kearney said he was "optimistic" about Beale, saying the centre's injury wasn't as serious as first thought.

The Warriors (28 points) are eighth on the NRL ladder, two behind the Dragons, Panthers and Sharks, while the Storm, Rabbitohs and Roosters share top spot (32 points).