Mannering fights shoulder injury
The Warriors could be without inspirational back-rower Simon Mannering for the opening game of the NRL season due to a shoulder injury.
Mannering picked up a knock during the first half of Saturday’s trial win over the Gold Coast Titans and was subsequently taken from the field.
The Warriors are still waiting to hear back on the severity of the problem but asked if the 280-game veteran was in doubt for next Saturday’s opener against South Sydney in Perth, coach Stephen Kearney said: ‘‘There’s a possibility, yeah.
‘‘He got a bump on his shoulder so we’re awaiting the results of scans and we should have more information back [on Tuesday].’’
If Mannering is ruled out, he would join new signing Gerard Beale (broken leg) as the senior players unavailable for round one.
Hooker Nathaniel Roache is also recovering a ruptured Achilles, while prop Albert Vete is serving a one-match suspension carried over from last year’s reserve grade finals series.
The Warriors have never won in Perth and losing the phenomenal work-rate and experience that Mannering provides would be a significant blow to their chances of breaking the duck.
While the club is sweating on the fitness of Mannering, there appears to be more positive news on the potential re-signing of captain Roger Tuivasa-sheck.
It has been reported that Tuivasasheck is poised to reject the opportunity to switch codes with New Zealand Rugby in favour of extending his stay at the Warriors.
Last month, another report claimed Tuivasa-sheck was set to sign with the Blues Super Rugby franchise, although that was rubbished by his manager Bruce Sharrock.
The 24-year-old is a former former New Zealand schoolboys rugby representative and has previously spoken of his desire to one day return to the 15-man code.
But while Kearney did not confirm his re-signing, the coach said Tuivasa-sheck is determined to help the Warriors succeed.
‘‘He’s a quality individual, he’s the captain of the team and when that announcement does get made I’m sure it will send a tremendous boost not only to the players but to our members,’’ the coach said.
‘‘When that possibly happens it will be a positive for everyone.’’