Warriors back depth against Storm
Injuries are beginning to mount for the Warriors but they have full confidence in the depth of their squad ahead of the Anzac Day clash against the Storm.
It’s not hard to see why. The Warriors produced a courageous defensive display on Friday as they shrugged off the late withdrawals of Shaun Johnson and Solomone Kata, as well as the loss of Tohu Harris midway through the first half, to hand the Dragons their first defeat of the season.
But they will probably need to repeat that effort on Wednesday against the reigning NRL premiers, who are beginning to hit their stride after a mixed start to the year.
Following the 20-12 win at Mt Smart, coach Stephen Kearney said the key trio all had a chance to make the trip to Melbourne.
Johnson (groin) and Kata (ankle) were due to undergo fitness tests over the weekend, while Harris, who suffered two heavy head knocks, will have to go through the concussion protocols.
However, with a short five-day turnaround between matches, time is not on their side.
As well as those concerns, prop James Gavet has missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury, back-rower Leivaha Pulu is sidelined with a foot issue, while centre Gerard Beale has yet to play a game for his new club as he finishes his recovery from a broken leg.
But regardless of who takes the field against the Storm, centre Peta Hiku believes a competitiveness has developed within the squad that will hold them in good stead.
‘‘In the pre-season everyone was wanting
to put their best foot forward to make the team,’’ Hiku told Stuff.
‘‘The younger players were pushing the older blokes along which is good and that competitiveness within the team is helping us out.
‘‘I believe we’ve got a lot of young guys coming through and will do the job for us.’’
Losing Harris would be a particularly big blow.
The former Melbourne back-rower has been one of the Warriors’ best in 2018, forming a lethal right-edge combination with Johnson, Hiku and winger David Fusitu’a.
Harris’ departure against the Dragons saw Simon Mannering shift to the right side, with Isaiah Papali’i coming off the bench to take his place on the left - a formation that is likely to be used in Melbourne should Harris be ruled out.
Hiku says they didn’t skip a beat and praised backup halfback Mason Lino for again stepping up in the absence of Johnson.
‘‘Mase [Lino] has had a couple of years under his belt and I think he just knows how the game goes now,’’ Hiku said.
‘‘He’s done a really good job the last couple of games he’s played for us and no doubt he’ll do it again next time he gets an opportunity.’’
The Warriors and Storm have enjoyed a healthy rivalry in the past, although Craig Bellamy’s side have won the last four meetings between the clubs.
The Auckland outfit will also be looking to win their first Anzac Day match in Melbourne since 2014.
After losing three of their first five games to start the season, the Storm are coming off wins over the Knights and Broncos.