NRL: Warriors playing wait and see on Hoffman's knock

Ryan Hoffman passed the regulation concussion tests after being hit on the chin during Wednesday's State of Origin game. Photo / Getty Images

McFadden hopes to confirm back-rower despite third head blow.

The Warriors will take a wait-and-see approach before declaring Ryan Hoffman a certain starter for tomorrow's away clash with the Gold Coast Titans after the back-rower was forced from the field with a head knock during Wednesday's second State of Origin clash in Melbourne.

Hoffman was hit on the chin with a swinging arm in a tackle by Queensland centre Justin Hodges eight minutes from halftime in the MCG encounter, although the incident escaped the attention of match officials.

The 31-year-old passed the regulation concussion tests and returned to the park in the second half to play a vital role in the Blues' 26-18 series-levelling win.

It is the third time this season Hoffman has been forced from the park by head-knocks, but Warriors coach Andrew McFadden was hopeful both he and Queensland prop Jacob Lillyman would be fit to back-up in a crucial match against the Titans, after back-to-back losses to the Rabbitohs and Roosters

"We've touched base with both camps [NSW and Queensland] and at this stage both are available," McFadden said.

"Obviously Ryan copped a bit of a head knock there and he was cleared by the doctor but we'll still wait and see how he feels when we get to the Gold Coast.

"Jacob has got a bit of a stiff neck but that's about it."

Before the Origin knock, Hoffman had to be helped from the field at Pirtek Stadium after he clashed heads with Eels hooker Nathan Peats as the pair fell to the ground in a tackle.

Three weeks earlier he was also knocked out in the Warriors' Anzac Day clash with the Titans after a high tackle from Greg Bird.

After reacting to Hodges taunting him for a handling error in the Origin opener three weeks ago, Hoffman was collected high by the 33-year-old Brisbane veteran, but quickly leapt to his feet and played the ball before he was eventually taken out of play by NSW coach Laurie Daley.

After the game, Hodges was charged with a grade one dangerous tackle but will be free to play in the Broncos' round 15 NRL match against the Storm in Melbourne on Sunday, regardless if he contests the charge or takes the early plea. The charge carries 75 points for a guilty verdict, with the early guilty plea earning 56 points.

Meanwhile, injured fullback Sam Tomkins is in contention to play the Titans despite not being named in the Warriors' 18-man squad on Tuesday.

Tomkins continues to work his way back from a PCL ligament injury in his left knee and although the England international was a late withdrawal from the Warriors' past two games, he'll again be given every chance to take the field at Cbus Super Stadium.

"He's a chance so we'll see," said a cautious McFadden.

The Warriors are wary of the dangerous-looking Titans, who are searching for their third straight win after trumping the Tigers and Bulldogs in consecutive weeks.

Elusive centre James Roberts is lightening quick and in terrific form, with the Warriors well aware of his attacking talents after he scored a try and created another for halfback Kane Elgey in the round eight meeting at Mt Smart Stadium.

"They were excellent against the Dogs the other night and they beat us at home a few weeks ago and they're a tricky side to play," said McFadden.

"They play a little differently to most teams and they've obviously got some real strike. That [James] Roberts is a real handful and they're going to be a good challenge.

"With Roberts you've got to handle him as a team because he comes back through the middle as well as out wide so it will be something that everyone has got to be on high alert for."