18 Apr 2018

Mannering to start for the Warriors

6:15 am on 18 April 2018

The New Zealand Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has named veteran Simon Mannering in the starting line up for the first time this season to face the NRL leaders the Dragons on Friday night.

Simon Mannering

Simon Mannering Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photosport Ltd 2018

With Leivaha Pulu forced to the sidelines after sustaining a foot injury in last weeks first loss of the season to the Broncos, Mannering will take Pulu's place on the left edge.

Filling Mannering's spot on the interchange is front rower Albert Vete who is yet to play a first grade game this season.

Warriors centre Solomone Kata was seen carried off the field last week with ankle trouble but has been named to start pending a fitness test.

Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Bunty Afoa, Issac Luke, Agnatius Paasi, Simon Mannering, Tohu Harros, Adam Blair.

Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Albert Vete, Anthony Gelling, Chris Satae, Mason Lino, Isaiah Papali'i, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

- RNZ