RTS in doubt for Manly game
AUCKLAND: A week off has not done anything to halt the Warriors’ bothersome run of injuries to their key NRL playmakers.
Fullback and captain Roger TuivasaSheck is back on the doubtful list for Saturday’s clash against Manly in Christchurch because of the ankle injury he suffered in the Warriors’ 3010 loss to South Sydney in round 12.
While halfback Shaun Johnson is back after missing the past three games, also with an ankle complaint, TuivasaSheck’s healing has been slower than the club had hoped.
He took a limited part in yesterday’s training session, his place at the back filled by Peta Hiku.
Coach Stephen Kearney has become used to filling gaps in the Warriors’ spine during their recent patchy run of form.
TuivasaSheck, Johnson, hooker Issac Luke and backup halfback Mason Lino have missed matches, which has sucked the early season spring from the Warriors’ step.
‘‘Roger had a run today and didn’t look so good so we just have to wait and see how he pulls up over the next little bit,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘We’ll try and give him as long as we can but it didn’t look real good for him today.’’
Johnson ran freely yesterday and will hope to add attacking impetus to a fourthplaced Warriors side which has alternated wins and losses since opening the season with five straight victories.
He shone in his most recent start, the 264 win over Wests Tigers in round nine, and his spark has been missed in heavy home losses to the Sydney Roosters and Rabbitohs.