Harris a contender for fiveeighth spot

AUCKLAND: Secondrower Tohu Harris could be the quickfix answer to a shortage of halves for the Warriors when they play Parramatta in the NRL on Friday.

Star playmaker Shaun Johnson is almost certain to miss a second straight match with an ankle injury, while doubt surrounds Mason Lino.

Backup No 7 Lino limped off late in the 320 hammering by the Sydney Roosters in Auckland and only took a reduced part in training yesterday.

Coach Stephen Kearney will be forced to move veteran fiveeighth Blake Green in one spot against the Eels if both halfbacks are unavailable.

He would then scan his squad for a fiveeighth option.

Ballplaying forward Harris is a leading candidate, having famously started a test there against Australia in Sydney four years ago.

ThenKiwis coach Kearney promoted Harris from the interchange bench in place of Isaac John as a tactical surprise.

‘‘He’d be a long, tall option,’’ Kearney said.

‘‘It’s what I think will work best for the team this week. There’s no doubt we’ll have a look at it.’’

Kearney said Gerard Beale is also a chance to start in Sydney after impressing last week in reserve grade.

It was the experienced utility back’s first significant match since breaking his leg on duty for New Zealand at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Kearney confirmed the Warriors have released utility back Zac Santo, who failed to crack first grade in a year at the club and will join the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup.

‘‘Zac obviously was keen to go home as well, so that’s how it worked out,’’ Kearney said. — AAP