NRL: Vatuvei bolsters Warrior ranks for Dogs

Manu Vatuvei returns on Sunday. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Winger Manu Vatuvei and prop Russell Packer have been recalled by the New Zealand Warriors for the visit of NRL high-flyers the Bulldogs on Sunday.

Vatuvei has recovered from the hamstring strain that forced him out of last Friday night's defeat to Brisbane and replaces Denan Kemp, who drops out of the 17.

Packer comes in for captain Steve Price, who is back on State of Origin duty for Queensland.

The 19-year-old frontrower, whose last first-grade appearance was in the 13-0 home win over Newcastle on June 12, has turned out for the Junior Warriors over the past two weeks.

Included on a five-man bench is back rower Ukuma Ta'ai, who made his NRL debut this year and has played four times for the Warriors. He has been a regular for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup in recent weeks.

The Bulldogs will be without veteran halfback Brett Kimmorley and hooker Michael Ennis, who have been picked for New South Wales for the final Origin clash in Brisbane next week.

The Bulldogs could also miss Kiwi backrower Greg Eastwood and prolific try-scoring winger Bryson Goodwin.

The pair have both been charged with dangerous throw offences after the Bulldogs' trip to Manly on Monday night.

While the Bulldogs were beaten by the Sea Eagles, they still sit second on the ladder.

The Warriors, after two successive defeats in Queensland, have dropped to 12th position, five points outside the top eight.

Coach Ivan Cleary said he wasn't concerned about the make-up of the Bulldogs' side and refused to read anything into their 19-12 loss at Brookvale Oval.

"While they were beaten in a high-quality match, they've shown all season that they've been one of the best sides in the competition," he said.

"Whoever they select, they'll still be a huge challenge for us. Our focus has to be on ourselves."

While the Warriors are coming off losses to Gold Coast and Brisbane, Cleary saw positives in their performances.

He said they created plenty of try-scoring opportunities, but were let down by execution.

"That's something we have worked on and we'll keep working on."

Cleary will reach a personal milestone against the Bulldogs, becoming the Warriors' longest serving coach.

It will be his 93rd match in charge since taking over in 2006, passing Daniel Anderson's tally of 92 between 2001 and 2004.

Mt Smart, 4pm Sunday

WARRIORS

Wade McKinnon
Kevin Locke
Jerome Ropati
Joel Moon
Manu Vatuvei
Lance Hohaia
Stacey Jones
Russell Packer
Ian Henderson
Sam Rapira
Simon Mannering
Lewis Brown
Micheal Luck (c)

BULLDOGS

Luke Patten
Hazem El Masri
Daryl Millard
Matt Utai
Bryson Goodwin
Ben Roberts
Brett Kimmorley
Jarrad Hickey
Michael Sullivan
Michael Hodgson
Gary Warburton
Andrew Ryan (c)
David Stagg

Warriors: Aaron Heremaia, Jesse Royal, Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman, Ukuma Ta'ai.

Bulldogs: Brad Morrin, Chris Armit, Yileen Gordon, Greg Eastwood

- NZPA