NRL: Warriors youth brigade have to bide their time

Captain Simon Mannering. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Captain Simon Mannering and fullback Lance Hohaia will make their first appearances of the year in tomorrow's final Warriors NRL trial against Manly at North Harbour Stadium, but there is no place for rising star Glen Fisiiahi in the 20-man squad.

With promising hooker Alehana Mara and the likes of Elijah Taylor and Ben Henry also overlooked, it appears members of the club's youth brigade will have to bide their time before receiving a shot at the NRL.

Coach Ivan Cleary was not prepared to discuss selection matters ahead of the trial, but said via text message that all players would be on show tomorrow, with those not chosen in the NRL squad expected to play for the Richie Blackmore-coached Auckland Vulcans against the Junior Warriors in the curtain-raiser.

Star wing Manu Vatuvei and senior prop Sam Rapira won't play due to injury niggles picked up in previous trials, but otherwise the Warriors appear close to full strength.

Vatuvei corked his thigh against the Eels in Rotorua on February 12, while Rapira sprained a wrist in last Saturday's match against Burleigh in Whangarei.

"They'll be fine for round one against the Eels at Eden Park [on March 12] but there's no point playing them at this stage," Cleary said.

"We're happy with the way they're progressing and simply don't want to take a risk with them. Other than those two we have what we see as the strongest side available."

North Harbour Stadium has announced all profits from the match will be donated to the Red Cross appeal for Christchurch.

"The North Harbour Stadium Trust are appealing to all of Auckland to get behind this game," chief executive Craig Goodall said.

"Everyone's lives have been touched and affected in some way and our heartfelt support and sympathies are with Christchurch."

TRIAL SQUAD

Shaun Berrigan, Lewis Brown, Aaron Heremaia, Lance Hohaia, Krisnan Inu, Jeremy Latimore, Jacob Lillyman, Kevin Locke, Sione Lousi, Micheal Luck, James Maloney, Simon Mannering (c), Feleti Mateo, Ben Matulino, Joel Moon, Russell Packer, Steve Rapira, Jerome Ropati, Brett Seymour, Bill Tupou