By PETER JESSUP
Of most interest in the Warriors-Sharks trial games at Albany today is the performance of the youngsters, not least of them Marcus Perenara, who was yesterday elevated to starting five-eighths.
That move was made when Lance Hohaia showed he was bothered by a quadriceps muscle, although he remains frontrunner for the season opener against Newcastle.
He and captain Monty Betham, left out to repair a groin strain, will play the final trial against Penrith next weekend.
Perenara is the younger brother of Henry, a 2001 Kiwi and Warrior-turned-Dragon, and is the son of Marist-Richmond coach Bernie.
Just 17, he has played lock, halfback and five-eighths right through age-grade representative teams.
Bernie Perenara described his son as quiet and confident in his own ability. Warriors coach Daniel Anderson said Perenara was composed, had loads of ability with the ball and needed to show that.
The input from Stacey Jones and P.J. Marsh meant the Warriors' five-eighths could be selfish with the ball and he wanted to see skilful running around the ruck.
Jones, Marsh and some other top players will start the game but not see it out because their abilities are known.
Players will be elevated from the development trial, which kicks off at 3.15pm, to the main game starting at 5pm.
"All the young boys have plenty of ability," Anderson said. Perenara and centre Vince Mellars "will both play first grade - it's a matter of how soon".
* Former Junior Kiwis coach Gary Kemble has parted company with the Warriors. His contract with the development foundation was not renewed.
Warriors: Motu Tony, Justin Murphy, Clinton Toopi, Vince Mellars, Francis Meli, Marcus Perenara, Stacey Jones, Jerry Seuseu, P.J. Marsh, Mark Tookey, Logan Swann, Awen Guttenbeil, Karl Te Mata.
Sharks: David Simmons, Matthew Reick, Paul Franze, Jason Kent, Nick Youngquist, Greg Bird, Brett Kimmorley (c), Jason Stevens, Pat Gibson, Danny Nutley, Dean Bosnich, Paul Gallen, Nick Graham; interchange Sam Isemonger, Don Tweedle, Chris Beattie, Shaun Wessel.
Warriors development team: Brent Webb, Vince Anderson, Sione Faumuina, Henry Fa'afili, Tavita Latu, Thomas Leuluai, Iafeta Palea'aesina, Mark Robinson, Dallas Rennie, Hame Lauaki, Evarn Tuimavave, Louis Anderson, Sala Fa'alogo, Fui Fui Moi Moi.
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