NRL: Tupou recalled to Warriors

Winger Bill Tupou has been recalled for his seventh National Rugby League appearance replacing the injured Kevin Locke for the Warriors' 17th-round clash against Parramatta Eels at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday.

Locke has heavy bruising around his hip after his collision with a goalpost while scoring the Warriors' match-winning try in their 20-18 victory over the Sydney Roosters in Christchurch on Sunday.

It hasn't yet been determined how long Locke will be sidelined.

Tupou, who turns 20 on Friday, has been used in short stints at NRL level since making his debut against Manly in round four this year. He last played at first-grade level against Wests Tigers late in May.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said it was encouraging Locke had been cleared of serious injury, and hopefully he wouldn't be sidelined for too long.

"It means Bill has another chance as he continues his development at this level," Cleary said.

Tupou's inclusion for Locke apart, the squad is identical to the one used in Christchurch.

There is still no sign of long-term injured players Brett Seymour, Jacob Lillyman, Brent Tate and Sam Rapira being ready to return, while Steve Price today confirmed he won't be able to play again for the club in what is his last season in the NRL.

The squad for the Parramatta match again features a five-man bench of Ian Henderson, Ben Matulino, Jesse Royal, Sione Lousi and Ukuma Ta'ai.

With his two goals against the Roosters, James Maloney now has 92 points for the season while Matulino will play his 48th NRL game on Sunday.

He is one of only four players who have appeared in each of the Vodafone Warriors' 14 matches so far this season, the others being hooker Aaron Heremaia, fullback Lance Hohaia, and front rower Royal.

Winger Manu Vatuvei, making his fourth appearance since returning from injury, backed up his double against Newcastle with another try against the Roosters, giving him a total of nine tries from eight games this year and 67 in 102 career games (10 short of equalling Stacey Jones' club record).

Warriors: Lance Hohaia, Bill Tupou, Joel Moon, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Isaac John, Jeremy Latimore, Aaron Heremaia, Russell Packer, Simon Mannering (captain), Lewis Brown, Micheal Luck.

Interchange: Ian Henderson, Ben Matulino, Jesse Royal, Sione Lousi, Ukuma Ta'ai.

- NZPA