World record transferee Sam Tomkins will make his NRL debut at fullback for the Warriors against the Eels in Parramatta this Sunday.
Former Sharks playmaker Chad Townsend will start in the halves while Carlos Tuimavave got the nod over Konrad Hurrell who wasn’t named in the squad at all.
“Selecting Carlos was a tough call on Konrad,” said Warriors coach Matt Elliott on Tuesday.
“Konrad played really hard against the Broncos but Carlos was impressive in the Nines and then in Dunedin, putting on two tries and getting one himself.”
While his attacking prowess is second to none, Hurrell’s defensive frailties continue to concern and against an Eels side boasting Will Hopoate and a rejuvenated Jarryd Hayne, the risk is too great.
The Eels went on to claim the wooden spoon at a canter last season but not before they gave the Warriors a 40-10 Round 1 spanking at a sunny Parramatta Stadium. I was at that game, and it was a long damn afternoon.
Plus the beer trays are made of cardboard and when they get wet, they fall to pieces. Mine got wet real quick.
The Warriors haven’t won a Round 1 fixture since 2009 (against the Eels at Mt Smart) and with some sections of the media giving Elliott little leeway in terms of results this year, a positive start is a must.
And if I trip out to P-Matta again and they lose I’ll be ropable.
In another surprise, off-loader extraordinaire Feleti Mateo has been relegated to the bench in favour of former Junior Warriors captain John Palavi, who will start at lock.
“JP deserves his spot. He has performed right through the preseason,” said Elliott.
“His influence on players around him and what he did during the trial process was impressive.”
With Thomas Leuluai still injured following the World Cup, Sharks recruit Chad Townsend will partner Shaun Johnson in the halves.
Townsend performed solidly but had little game time at the Sharks and impressed with some solid preseason performances. His more structured play will be a vital anchor to Johnson’s off-the-cuff form of attack.
Here’s the Warriors side
1. Sam Tomkins 2. Glen Fisiiahi 3. Dane Nielsen 4. Carlos Tuimavave 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Sam Rapira 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ben Matulino 11. Jayson Bukuya 12. Simon Mannering (C) 13. John Palavi
Interchange: 14. Jacob Lillyman 15. Suaia Matagi 16. Sione Lousi 17. Feleti Mateo 18. Jerome Ropati
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Zac Lomax has added further to his Origin case with another strong performance in the Dragons' stunning 30-12 boilover win over the Warriors in…
Who are the hardest working big men in the NRL?
This one will hurt. James Fisher-Harris’ unexpected exit from Penrith to the Warriors at season’s end not only has ramifications for those two clubs…
Sell-out home games, plenty of away support, merchandise flying off the shelves and NZ Media outlets leading with Warriors’ game commentary on match day…
James Fisher-Harris is set to return home, with the marquee player announced as signing with the New Zealand Warriors. The New Zealand franchise has…
1. Manu is not No.1 at Roosters Everyone knows Joey Manu is a really good fullback. He’s probably in the top five in the…
