NRL: Warriors still open to finding cover players

Spare money under the salary cap means the Warriors could still recruit a back-up hooker, fullback or utility player if the right deal came along ahead of next season.

Already speculation is rife that chief executive Wayne Scurrah's four-week trip overseas might include a chat with former Australian international Shaun Berrigan if he leaves the English Super League a year early from his contract with Hull FC.

The 32-year-old could play at hooker or in the centres, if need be, possibly as cover after the loss of Brent Tate to North Queensland.

Hooker is one of the few areas the club might be vulnerable, now Ian Henderson has gone to French club Les Catalans.

Coach Ivan Cleary will first look to get more minutes out of Aaron Heremaia this season.

The 28-year-old was one of just two players (with Ben Matulino) to play every game last year but barely got over 60 minutes a game once Henderson returned to fitness.

The Warriors certainly have back-ups at hooker if needed and can cover from other positions if Heremaia strikes injury. Alehana Mara (21) shapes as the main option after three appearances last year, while Lewis Brown, Lance Hohaia or under-20 recruit Elijah Taylor could also fill in.

Tate leaves a monstrous hole in the centres which could be filled by Krisnan Inu if the Warriors stay with Manu Vatuvei on the left wing and Kevin Locke and Bill Tupou fighting for a spot on the right. Joel Moon is also on contract.

Junior Warriors fullback Glen Fisiiahi could also feature at some stage after starring in their Toyota Cup triumph, the club's first grand final win at any level.

The Warriors will also not want to waste Feleti Mateo's ball-playing talents and he could fit into the second row with skipper Simon Mannering, presuming the durable Micheal Luck remains the first choice lock.

Mateo has another card to play, however. Brett Seymour and James Maloney will likely stay as the preferred halves combination, with Shaun Johnson or Isaac John as back-up - but Mateo can also play in the No 6 jersey.

The strength of the forward pack remains substantial and could create a bottleneck with the return of Steve Rapira from North Queensland as another second row option, along with Ben Matulino, Ukuma Ta'ai and Brown.

Matulino, Sam Rapira, Russell Packer and Jeremy Latimore have the edge as possible starting props.