There’ll be no easing off, says Mcclennan
LEAGUE
Warriors coach Brian Mcclennan won’t be putting his remaining props ‘‘on ice’’, despite injuries costing the team NRL regulars Jacob Lillyman and Sam Rapira for the early part of the season.
Kiwis prop and Warriors regular Sam Rapira damaged the AC joint of his left shoulder in the club’s trial against the Rabbitohs last Saturday a game in which his brother, Steve, suffered a high-ankle strain. Both will be out for up to six weeks.
They join Origin prop Lillyman, who will be sidelined for three months with a bicep injury sustained against the Titans two weeks ago, and lock Micheal Luck, with a wrist injury, in the Warriors’ sick bay.
Yet Mcclennan believes injuries are simply ‘‘part of the game’’ and isn’t adjusting the team’s buildup to protect Kiwis representatives Russell Packer and Ben Matulino, who will start in the Warriors’ final trial, against the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles in Whangarei tomorrow.
‘‘I’m not putting our props on ice or anything or in cotton wool,’’ the former Kiwis coach said. ‘‘It’s part of the game. We’re going to get more injuries during the season. I think it’s really important we keep giving opportunities to our younger guys.’’
Two of last year’s under-20 stars, Sione Lousi and John Palavi, have already impressed Mcclennan, who labelled Lousi the pre-season propping ‘‘pick of the bunch’’.
‘‘Just today I was looking at our younger guys doing their extras, not prompted by us,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s great because they can see a ray of hope. If they’re the best people for the job, they’re going to get the games.’’