Rugby League: Warrington won't blame defeat on Nikau farewell

Warrington officials have denied that over-indulgence at a farewell hangi for New Zealand league player Tawera Nikau was to blame for the club's crushing 84-10 defeat against Bradford.

Warrington are now testing their players for alcohol and blood sugar levels, but denied some players went into the game nursing hangovers.

Former Kiwis loose forward Nikau held a hangi for his team-mates and their families the day before the Bradford game. He left the club, in north-west England, at the end of an emotional season in which his wife Letitia was found dead in the family home.