New-look Warriors named for opener
Rookie hooker Sam Cook is set to make his NRL debut in the Warriors’ seasonopener against South Sydney in Perth, while Isaiah Papali’i has replaced the injured Simon Mannering.
Cook is one of seven newcomers selected in the 21-man squad for Saturday’s clash as the Warriors attempt to break their Western Australian hoodoo at the 10th time of trying – a losing streak that dates back to 1996.
Cook is the only player poised to make his first-grade debut this week but centre Peta Hiku, five-eighth Blake Green, prop Adam Blair and second rower Tohu Harris will take the field for the first time for the Auckland club.
A former Warriors under-20s playmaker and regular with the reserve grade side last year, Cook shot into the frame for the backup hooker role following Nathaniel Roache’s horror run with injury.
After impressing in each of the Warriors’ 20-14 trial wins over Melbourne and Gold Coast, the 24-year-old has claimed a spot on the bench – a role he could make his own given Roache is expected to miss the entire season due to a back injury.
Papali’i, meanwhile, has been named to start in the back row, with Mannering facing up to a month on the sidelines with a shoulder problem.
The 19-year-old former schoolboy rugby star is one of the club’s brightest prospects, having already made five first-grade appearances last year.
But while he has big boots to fill, coach Stephen Kearney has been delighted with what he has seen.
‘‘I’m pleased with the side we’ve been able to pick and it’s really special being able to name Sam,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘He’s had a wonderful pre-season and he has worked really, really hard for the last 15 or so weeks. He had some nice touches in the trials and gets his opportunity to make his debut.
‘‘Our new players have fitted in wonderfully well, too, and I’m really excited about seeing them play on Saturday afternoon.
‘‘Simon picked up a shoulder injury in our last trial which could keep him out for a few weeks but young Isaiah Papali’i has had a great pre-season and he’ll do a good job.’’
The Warriors’ match against the Rabbitohs is the first leg of a doubleheader at the new Perth Stadium, which is rounded out by 2017 premiers Melbourne taking on Canterbury.
Joining Cook on an extended eightman bench are new signings Leivaha Pulu, Anthony Gelling and Agnatius Paasi.
Ligi Sao has claimed the No 13 jersey after two strong trial performances, while James Gavet partners Blair up front.
Halves Shaun Johnson and Green will make their first NRL start together, as will outside backs Hiku and David Fusitu’a on the right edge.
The 21-man squad will be cut by two on Friday before the playing 17 is confirmed one hour before kickoff.
For the Rabbitohs, skipper Greg Inglis will make his return from injury at centre, alongside star recruit Dane Gagai, with Alex Johnston starting at fullback.
Damien Cook has beaten out Robbie Farah for the No 9 jersey while the pack is again headlined by English enforcer Sam Burgess.