‘Beast’ back, Foran out for Warriors

There is no Kieran Foran but Manu Vatuvei will make his first appearance for the Warriors this year in Friday’s ‘away’ clash against the Bulldogs in Dunedin.

Foran was given the final clearance by the NRL on Saturday to resume his playing career after proving that he has sufficiently dealt with his off-field problems.

But, as expected, concerns over a long-standing shoulder problem has seen coach Stephen Kearney keep him on ice for at least another week.

After missing the pre-season trials due to a knee injury, Vatuvei was forced to start the season in NSW Cup where a couple of strong performances has seen the star winger push Tuimoala Lolohea to an extended bench.

His recall, along with the elevation of Jacob Lillyman and Bodene Thompson to the starting side for Charlie Gubb and Bunty Afoa respectively, gives the Warriors a much more experienced look as they attempt to bounce back from last week’s 26-10 defeat to the Storm.

However, skipper Roger TuivasaSheck still has to pass a concussion test today before he is cleared to take the field.

‘‘I’ve liked what Manu’s been doing for a long time,’’ Kearney said.

‘‘He’s carries the ball pretty strong. He’s had a couple of games now in NSW Cup and done really well.

‘‘He didn’t get the opportunity to play any of the trials so the idea was to give him some game time and I’m happy with that.’’

Foran’s absence means Ata Hingano will continue to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves.

The coach gave little away on Foran’s condition at training yesterday, other than that he was ‘‘ticking along well’’ and is ‘‘a chance’’ of featuring next week against the Dragons.

Asked if the Kiwis playmaker would be given a run in NSW Cup before returning to first grade, Kearney said: ‘‘I’ll worry about that when he’s a good chance to play.

‘‘But my focus this week is on the Bulldogs. He won’t be available this week so happy to talk about that next week.’’

Friday night’s clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium is the first NRL competition match to be played in Dunedin and comes after the Bulldogs opted to relocate their home match from Sydney.

The Des Hasler-coached side cross the Tasman having lost their opening two games. But both defeats were close affairs against the highly rated Storm and Roosters and Kearney is expecting a fierce challenge.

‘‘They’re always a well coached side,’’ he added. ‘‘Des is a very experienced coach. You just look at their record over the past few years so we know what we’re in for.’’

Meanwhile, a week after Shaun Johnson overtook him as the Warriors’ leading points-scorer, Stacey Jones is set to lose another club record on Friday.

Veteran back-rower Simon Mannering has been named to make his 261st career appearance to draw level with the assistant coach for the most games for the club.