Warriors confident their depth is rising

Much of the talk around the Warriors this pre-season has centred on the players who have departed, but could the club actually start the season with a deeper allround squad than last year?

Leeson Ah Mau is the only new recruit with significant NRL experience, the New Zealand and Samoa international joined by middle forward Lachlan Burr and halves contender Adam Keighran following the exits of Shaun Johnson, Simon Mannering, James Gavet and Mason Lino.

Somes positions are stronger than others. There’s little doubt an injury to playmaker Blake Green would leave the club in serious trouble in the halves. However, highlights some of the depth available to Kearney.

The squad to face Western Suburbs in the early game includes six players with NRL experience, including Leivaha Pulu, Chris Satae and Karl Lawton, as well as promising youngsters Hayze Perham and Patrick Herbert.

‘‘I thought last year . . . the gap between player A and – if we’ve got a squad of 30 – player 30, there was a vast difference, whereas I think now that’s squeezed right up,’’ Kearney said. ‘‘Guys are really challenging each other and it’s that competition, competing against each other has really pushed that.

‘‘So the depth is up because individuals have upped their physical condition, upped their football awareness, competitive instincts.’’

One player making his presence felt is former Bulldog Burr, whose performance against Melbourne was singled out by the coach. Burr impressed with his work rate and go-forward, while showing his ballplaying ability with an offload to set up Perham’s match-winning try.

Kearney has indicated a spot is up for grabs in the middle for round one and Burr has another chance to push his case against the Tigers today. ‘‘It was good to blow out the cobwebs,’’ Burr said.

‘‘The team ripped in and we all worked hard for each other. So for our first hit-out I thought we did pretty well.

‘‘It’s one step closer. I’ve still got a bit to work on. This week I’ve just got to rip in and see what happens.’’ NRL trial, Warriors v Wests Tigers

5pm today, Northland Events Centre, Whangarei

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), Bunty Afoa, Leeson Ah Mau, Blake Ayshford, Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Lachlan Burr, David Fusitu’a, Blake Green, Tohu Harris, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Patrick Herbert, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Adam Keighran, Karl Lawton, Sam Lisone, Ken Maumalo, Agnatius Paasi, Isaiah Papali’i, Hayze Perham, Adam Pompey, Leivaha Pulu, Nathaniel Roache, Ligi Sao, Jazz Tevaga

Moses Mbye, Corey Thompson, Robert Jennings, Esan Marsters, David Nofoaluma, Benji Marshall, Luke Brooks, Russell Packer, Robbie Farah, Ben Matulino, Luke Garner, Ryan Matterson, Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Josh Reynolds, Matt Eisenhuth, Alex Twal, Michael Chee Kam, Mahe Fonua, Chris McQueen, Jacob Liddle, Thomas Mikaele

What: When, where: Warriors squad:

Wests Tigers: