NRL: Warriors too strong for Eels in preseason

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Three second-half tries saw the New Zealand Warriors shut out the Parramatta Eels 24-4 in pre-season NRL trial at Rotorua's International Stadium today.

Tries to Manu Vatuvei and new signing Krisnan Inu gave the Warriors a narrow 8-4 halftime lead, with second rower Taniera Lasalo crossing to pull one back for the Eels.

First-year NRL player Glen Fisiiahi impressed with a brace of tries in the second spell, Lewis Brown scoring the last to give Ivan Cleary's side an encouraging 20-point win.

The Warriors were without James Maloney, out through illness, with Isaac John called in as a late replacement to partner former Junior Warriors captain Elijah Taylor in the halves.

It was John's first run of the season after recovering from knee surgery.

Also turning out for the first time after missing the 22-22 draw with Newcastle in Greymouth last weekend were winger Vatuvei, centre Jerome Ropati, hooker Aaron Heremaia and props Sam Rapira, Ben Matulino and Russell Packer.

Brothers Sam and Steve Rapira played together in a Warriors side for the first time today, after previously having played together for the Junior Kiwis in 2005.

New Zealand Warriors 24 (Glen Fisiiahi 2, Manu Vatuvei, Krisnan Inu, Lewis Brown tries; Krisnan Inu 2 goals) Parramatta Eels 4 (Taniela Lasalo try). Halftime: 8-4.

- NZPA