Warriors pair unlikely to be used against Panthers

RUGBY LEAGUE: Assistant coach Justin Morgan has revealed it’s unlikely Manu Vatuvei and Bodene Thompson will play in the Warriors’ must-win game against the Panthers in Auckland today.

The experienced wing and second-rower are recovering from knee and ankle injuries, respectively, and while definitive decision has not been made, Morgan said at this stage they were both out.

‘‘They are still an outside chance but they haven’t been included at this point in time,’’ Morgan said.

‘‘They’ve got a bit more time and with players of that experience, you give them up until game day.

‘‘There’s a possibility, but at this stage nothing is confirmed.’’

Morgan said Vatuvei and Thompson would talk to Warriors head coach, Andrew McFadden this morning about their availability and the players’ views would be taken into account.

‘‘With a younger guy you take a lot more guidance from the medical staff, there are a lot of factors you have to consider and you generally do take a read on what senior players say,’’ Morgan said. Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland 5.00pm, Saturday Warriors $1.75, Panthers $2.00 Grant Atkins and Chris Sutton

‘‘But you have to think about whether there would be a chance of further damage and how the rest of the squad is situated for that position.

‘‘Bodene and Manu are senior players, so they’ll have a conversation with Cappy tomorrow and then a decision will be made from there,’’ Morgan said.

‘‘They’ve made some progress and if they’re not a late inclusion into the team, they should be available next week.’’

While Morgan played down the chances of Thompson playing, it’s understood there are plans to slot Bunty Afoa into the Warriors’ under-20s team today if Thompson does play.

Given that ahead of last night’s game between the Bulldogs and Dragons, the Panthers were eighth on the ladder and the Warriors ninth, today’s fixture at Mt Smart Stadium looms as the biggest for the both clubs so far this season.

With just five rounds to go after this weekend, the losers’ prospects of finishing in the top eight will be significantly damaged.

‘‘That’s acknowledged by everyone and you’d have to be living under a rock to not know how important this is,’’ Morgan said.

‘‘We understand that we need to win, but I always use the example that people say they want to be a millionaire, but if you don’t map out a pathway on how you’re going to do that, you can dream all you like.’’