Wee problem lands Tomkins in big trouble
Sam Tomkins has left his mark on the field since joining the Warriors but he was caught doing just that off the field by Gold Coast police early on Sunday morning.
The star fullback was caught urinating in a public place at 5am after celebrating the team’s 24-16 win over the Titans.
He was fined $110 by Australian police, who deemed it a minor incident, while Warriors management have hit him with an additional $2000 fine.
The club became aware of the incident only on Monday night and launched an investigation.
‘‘We’ve met with Sam and he admits he made an error in judgement,’’ Warriors general manager of football Dean Bell said. ‘‘He knows this kind of behaviour is unacceptable.’’
Tomkins said he was embarrassed about the incident.
‘‘I’m disappointed in myself,’’ he said. ‘‘I thought I was in a secluded spot but realise I still made a poor decision.’’
Meanwhile, veteran prop Sam Rapira is back in the team for Sunday’s game against the Knights at Mt Smart Stadium.
It is his first game since the 16-10 Anzac Day win over Melbourne, having been forced to sit out the last three weeks because of a back injury.
Halfback Shaun Johnson has been named but is in doubt because of an ankle injury picked up towards the end of last weekend’s win over the Titans. Warriors coach Andrew McFadden says it’s touch and go as to whether Johnson will play.
‘‘Shaun is still 50-50,’’ McFadden said.
‘‘We’ll give him until Thursday or Friday and, if he’s not fit, Tuimoala [Lolohea] will make his debut.
‘‘The good thing is Tui has been training with us. Last week was good preparation because right until the last minute he thought he was in the side to play Gold Coast.’’
While welcoming Rapira back, McFadden hasn’t named utility Ben Henry who has been troubled by stiffness in his left knee.
‘‘It’s important having Sam back. He’s one of our captains, he’s fully fit and he’s ready to go in an important game for us,’’ McFadden said.
‘‘Ben has had a flareup with his knee injury. He’s possibly a chance but we’ll probably rest him which allows us to push Ben [Matulino] into the second row.’’
Kevin Locke is still out with a knee injury.
Sunday’s game will be doubly significant for Simon Mannering who will be playing making his 200th appearance for the Warriors and captaining the side for the 100th time.
‘‘I hope we get a big crowd because it would be a fitting tribute to Simon,’’ McFadden said.
‘‘He has stood out in my time here as a leader. He’s a true warrior, so to speak, and deserves all the support for the contribution he makes to this club.’’