Harris-tavita gets nod for halves role
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has confirmed he will stick with rookie sensation Chanel Harris-tavita in the halves, even if his previous No 1 option is good to go.
Kodi Nikorima has been battling injury the past two weeks, and in his absence a star has been born.
Harris-tavita has been outstanding for the Warriors in back-to-back weeks and his form looks set to be rewarded with another start this weekend, in the Kiwi NRL club’s must win clash against the Roosters.
Nikorima was a chance of playing last week, but sat out as a precaution –
Kearney having full faith
Harristavita could do the job.
Speaking to media yesterday, Kearney confirmed even if the former Broncos star was good to go, he still planned on giving the starting job to Harris-tavita.
‘‘[Nikorima] wasn’t too bad today. We’ll get an assessment and we’ve got another run tomorrow so we’ll see how he goes, but I thought he wasn’t too bad today,’’ he said.
‘‘We’ll just see how he pulls up and look at him tomorrow, but at this stage I’ll look at him coming off the bench for us. That’s the plan.’’
Kearney planned on using Nikorima off the bench in a dummy half role.
For Harris-tavita, it’s a massive vote of confidence from the coaching staff.
The call to bench an international player, in Nikorima, who came to the club to play in the halves was a nod to the 20-year-old’s continuing development at the position.
‘‘Chanel’s continuing along OK. He’s doing exactly what we want him to do at this stage,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘I thought he came up with some big plays last week, and it’s a big challenge for him again this week.
‘‘That’s the NRL. For Chanel, that’s what he has to get used to. The experience is all part of his development.’’
Rookie wing Adam Pompey has again been named to start on the right edge, with regular David Fusitu’a still battling a niggling hamstring injury.
He was out with the side training yesterday, and Kearney said he should be ready to go for the Sharks game next week.
‘‘If he can get through a good solid week’s training, which will include this week and next week, I anticipate that he’ll be right for the Sharks game, yes.’’
The Warriors’ must-win clash with the Roosters will be at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, the first time the club will play at the famed ground.