By PETER JESSUP and NZPA
The NRL last night gave the New Zealand Warriors the all-clear to stand down a clutch of players for their game against Wests Tigers at Ericsson Stadium on Friday night.
After the Warriors lost to the Northern Eagles on Sunday, coach Daniel Anderson said he would be resting some of his players for the final-round match because "our main focus is the home semifinal."
NRL chief executive David Gallop responded by reminding clubs that they had a contractual obligation to field their best available team.
Missing will be captain Stacey Jones (groin), Kevin Campion (hamstring), P. J. Marsh (groin), Justin Murphy (groin and abdomen), John Carlaw and Brent Webb (leg), and Jerry Seuseu (bruised hip).
Prop Richard Villasanti is back after a month out with a knee injury. Fellow prop Iafeta Palea'aesina and back utility David Myles return from the national domestic competition, the Bartercard Cup. Jeremiah Pai gets his third run and first start at hooker.
Evarn Tuimavave, nephew of former Warrior Tony, from the Marist-Richmond club, is one of five named on the bench.
Hibiscus Coast second-rower Karl Te Mata is included for the first time.
Fullback Ivan Cleary stands in as captain for the night.
NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said yesterday that the league had spoken to the Warriors about concerns raised by Anderson's post-match comments.
Annesley said the Warriors had since provided him with the club doctor's detailed injury assessment of all players.
The club had also offered to have any player assessed by an independent doctor, a move the NRL deemed not necessary.
He said the Warriors' squad to face the Tigers still had a strong look about it, with only one debutant among the 18 named.
"Generally speaking, there's a lot of incentive for them to win this week."
The top two clubs are guaranteed of progressing to the second week of finals football even if they lose their first playoff match.
The Warriors' most likely finishing position remains third, win or lose on Friday. Their most likely opponent is Parramatta, in a reversal of venue from last year when the Warriors were beaten 52-12 in their only playoff game.
Chief executive Mick Watson said the Warriors were not side-stepping their obligations. Every player ruled out of Friday's match had a legitimate reason for not playing.
He believed the 17 named would still be competitive.
"There's several there with more than 100 games beside their name."
Anderson's fully justified spray at referee Tim Mander for his ruling of the ruck area was highlighted by the Sydney media and Watson was nervous the club would be fined the standard A$10,000 ($11,700).
The Broncos and Storm have already copped the penalty, so it is hard to see the Warriors avoiding it, considering the NRL's desire to be seen to act consistently.
Second-rower Ali Lauiti'iti was named player of the year at the club's annual awards dinner at Sky City last night.
Webb and five-eighth Lance Hohaia shared the rookie of the year title.
New Zealand Warriors: Ivan Cleary (capt), Henry Fa'afili, Vinnie Anderson, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Motu Tony, Lance Hohaia, Richard Villasanti, Jeremiah Pai, Mark Tookey, Logan Swann, Wairangi Koopu, Sione Faumuina; interchange, Justin Morgan, David Myles, Iafeta Palea'aesina, Evarn Tuimavave, Karl Te Mata (one to be omitted).
Wests Tigers (likely): Daniel Fitzhenry, Hasan Saleh, Kevin McGuinness, Matt Seers, Joel Caine, John Wilson, Lincoln Withers, Corey Pearson, Robert Mears, John Skandalis (capt), Mark O'Neill, Willie Manu, Ben Galea; interchange, Troy Wozniak, Anthony Lanfranchi, Steve Crouch, Luke O'Donnell.
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