Jerome Ropati, Krisnan Inu and Ukuma Ta'ai have been named in a 19-man squad for the Vodafone Warriors' final 2012 trial against the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles at Toll Stadium in Whangarei on Saturday.
Ropati, about to enter his 10th NRL season, is in line to play his first matchsince March last year when a knee injury ended his season in round three.
Inu and Ta'ai played in the 26-10 win against Gold Coast on February 4 but missed last week's 22-14 victory over South Sydney, Inu turning out for the Auckland Vulcans in a trial and Ta'ai a late defection through injury.
In the team are Kiwi internationals Kevin Locke, Lewis Brown, Ben Matulino and Russell Packer as well as Pita Godinet, Alehana Mara, Sione Lousi and Glen Fisiiahi.
Another feature is the inclusion of Vodafone Junior Warriors back rower John Palavi, the club's 2011 Vodafone NYC Player of the Year.
Seven members of the 2011 premiership-winning Vodafone Junior Warriors side will be on show. Palavi will be joined by Ben Henry, Konrad Hurrell, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Samiuela Lousi, Sio Suia Taukeiaho and Carlos Tuimavave.
Out of contention through injury are Micheal Luck, Jacob Lillyman, Sam Rapira and Steve Rapira, who will all miss the start of the season, which begins with the "Get even at Eden" clash against Manly at Eden Park on March 4.
Head coach Brian McClennan said it was vital younger players in the squad were given the chance of more substantial match experience in the NRL environment.
"Quite a few of our senior players have trained really well and had some really solid time on the field in our trials against Gold Coast and South Sydney," he said.
"Our younger players, especially the boys who have come up from the Vodafone Junior Warriors, have had a little bit of a taste of NRL trials football but this weekend we want to make sure they all get some good game minutes under their belts."
The Warriors will travel to Whangarei late on Saturday morning, returning home after the game. Senior players not involved in the trial will head to Northland on Friday for promotional and community appearances.
Tickets available from Ticket Direct (www.ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 4 TICKET) Forum North box office and Toll Stadium reception. Ticket costs are Grandstand: $15 Adult, $10 Child or Terraces and Embankment: $10 Adult, $5 Child plus applicable booking fees. Hospitality options are available for corporate and public guests by contacting Toll Stadium.
