NRL: Tate, McKinnon confirmed for Warriors trial

Warriors centre Brent Tate will return to action after a long layoff. Photo / Getty Images

Centre Brent Tate and fullback Wade McKinnon were both added to the Warriors' line-up after their final training session today ahead of tomorrow's National Rugby League trial against Manly at North Harbour Stadium.

Tate hasn't played since a season-ending knee injury against his old Brisbane club in the third match of the club's 2009 campaign.

Earlier this week the 27-year-old was confident he would be able to have time on the field against the Sea Eagles and, after training well this morning, he was added to an enlarged bench.

Joining him is experienced fullback Wade McKinnon, who had seemed likely to miss the last two trials after rolling his ankle in training ahead of last weekend's clash against North Queensland in Cairns.

However, McKinnon, 29, recovered well early in the week and ran freely in training today to claim a spot on the bench tomorrow.

Manly coach Des Hasler has named his first-choice side to start the trial, which will be played in two 40-minute halves rather than 20-minute quarters as has been the case in each of the Warriors' previous trials against the Sydney Roosters (26-8) and North Queensland (28-6).

Included in the team are outstanding fullback Brett Stewart and his back rower brother Glenn while Anthony Watmough is in the second row.

Kiwi internationals Steve Matai and Kieran Foran ware also in the run-on side. Foran, the newest Kiwi test player, is at halfback in place of the departed Matt Orford, now with Bradford in the English Super League.

Among the bench players is former Kiwi back rower Joe Galuvao, now with yet another new club after previous stints with the Warriors, Penrith, South Sydney and Parramatta.

Warriors: Lance Hohaia, Kevin Locke, Joel Moon, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Sam Rapira, Aaron Heremaia, Russell Packer, Lewis Brown, Ben Matulino, Micheal Luck.

Interchange: Alehana Mara, Jeremy Latimore, Sione Lousi, Patrick Ah Van, Shaun Johnson, Jesse Royal, Jacob Lillyman, Bill Tupou, Wade McKinnon, Brent Tate.

- NZPA