Mannering back for the Warriors
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has refrained from making wholesale changes as he tries to get their season back on track against the Broncos at Mt Smart on Saturday.
Simon Mannering makes a welcome return from injury and James Gavet, who confirmed a two-year contract extension with the club yesterday, has replaced Queensland State of Origin forward Jacob Lillyman in the starting lineup.
But interchange prop Charlie Gubb was the only player dropped from last week’s 30-14 defeat to the Dragons in Hamilton, with Albert Vete coming onto the bench. However, with Tuimoala Lolohea, Toafofoa Sipley and Ligi Sao in the 21-man squad that may change closer to kick-off.
A late withdrawal ahead of the embarrassing collapse against the Panthers earlier this month, Mannering was sorely missed in the middle as the club gave up a 22-point lead in Penrith before being dominated upfront by the Dragons.
Vete last played first-grade in round three, against the Bulldogs, but returns after impressing for the reserve grade team last week.
‘‘We certainly missed Simon’s presence in our last two matches,’’ Kearney said. ‘‘He adds a lot to our group and it’s good to have him back this week.
‘‘With Jake out through Origin, James slots back into the starting front row and Albie has earned his
opportunity with his performances for our Intrust Super Premiership side.’’
Still out of contention are centre Solomone Kata and Manu Vatuvei, both recovering from calf injuries.
The Warriors head into the match in desperate need of the two points having won just four of 11 games this season to sit in 14th place.
Once again they have been helped by the Origin period, with the second-placed Broncos losing six players to Queensland duty. However, Wayne Bennett’s side is set to be boosted by the return of halfback Ben Hunt from injury, with former Kiwis captain Benji Marshall set to partner him in the halves.
The Warriors traditionally measure themselves against Brisbane, with last June’s 36-18 win their 16th victory in the 38 meetings between the two clubs. In 19 encounters at Mt Smart, the Warriors have an 11-8 advantage.