8 Feb 2012

Vatuvei to play in Warriors trial match

6:31 am on 8 February 2012

The Kiwi's rugby league winger Manu Vatuvei, prop Russell Packer and fullback Kevin Locke have been named in the 22-man Warriors squad for Saturday night's second NRL pre-season trial against South Sydney at Coffs Harbour.

Packer and Locke missed the 26-10 win against Gold Coast at North Harbour Stadium but coach Brian McClennan included them for the second of the club's three trials ahead of the season-opener against Manly at Eden Park on March the 4th.

He also named Vatuvei, who came through unscathed after scoring the match-winning try for the NRL All Stars against the Indigenous All Stars in Robina last Saturday night.

Among those not travelling are veterans Jerome Ropati, Micheal Luck and Jacob Lillyman.

Luck is recovering from shoulder surgery while Lillyman is facing three months on the sideline after tearing his right bicep from the tendon early in the match against the Titans.

Ropati is continuing his rehabilitation from knee surgery last year.

With Lillyman out, Sione Lousi, Steve Rapira and Ukuma Ta'ai are in contention for the vacancy created by the Queensland State of Origin's enforced absence.