By PETER JESSUP
The Warriors have been dredging the Bartercard Cup once again for experienced props with go-forward as they try to resurrect their season.
Don't be surprised to see the likes of Glenora's 31-year-old veteran Ben Valeni turn out, or interest shown in Marist-Richmond's Kurt Cawdron and other Bartercard veterans - nor to see Mark Tookey as the next player confirmed as leaving the club.
The lack of metres made this year is an indictment of all the props' play and no small part of the team's problems.
So Karl Temata gets his chance to start against North Queensland tomorrow. Waiting in the wings is Shannon Stowers, 24, 180cm and 115kg, and Kane Ferris, at 190cm and 106kg carrying the height and weight of a good NRL prop, but just 19.
It's clear that it will be some time before the development programme produces the goods and so the buy the Warriors crucially need is a go-forward prop with experience.
There are players who can do the job in Bartercard: the Bulldogs found Hutch Maiava, Souths have David Fa'alogo as a regular starter and Canterbury's Taylor Pelenise has recently shifted across the Tasman.
The Warriors are expected to turn out as named and have no injury concerns. The home team's preparation winds up with a barbecue for players and their families, another bid to lift performance.
Cowboys wing Ty Williams has withdrawn with a sprained ankle and his replacement is Neil Sweeney, with Rod Jensen going to the bench.
Tomorrow's match will be Paul Bowman's 131st, equalling the club record of Peter Jones. Bowman is the only Cowboy from their inaugural year in 1995. He has experienced only 42 wins in all that time but the team is travelling well now, back-to-back victories giving them some confidence.
Meanwhile, Warriors skipper Monty Betham believes the Warriors will be hindered rather than helped by North Queensland having three players backing up from rugby league's State of Origin.
Centre Paul Bowman, winger Matt Sing and fullback Matt Bowen took part in Queensland's series-levelling 22-18 win over New South Wales in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Betham rejected the idea that the Warriors might have an advantage in playing a team with personnel backing up four days after a tough Origin battle. "I don't think it will affect them at all," the hooker said.
"Those three are backs and, with all respect to backs, they don't do a hell of a lot compared with forwards, especially in the engine room."
* The Roosters have signed Dragons half Brett Firman to replace Brad Fittler, allowing the Dragons to re-sign Matt Head.
Former Souths half Jamie Russo is joining Canberra. Newcastle have re-signed Matt Gidley.
The NRL has cleared Manly of any breach of the anti-tampering regulations in relation to Knights wing Timana Tahu.
And former Bulldogs football manager Garry Hughes is suing the club for A$250,000 for wrongful dismissal after the Coff's Harbour debacle.
Ericsson Stadium, tomorrow 2.05pm
WARRIORS
Brent Webb
Henry Fa'afili
Vinnie Anderson
Clinton Toopi
Manu Vatuvei
Lance Hohaia
Stacey Jones
Karl Temata
Monty Betham (c)
Richard Villasanti
Louis Anderson
Awen Guttenbeil
Wairangi Koopu
Reserves: Epalahame Lauaki, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Evarn Tuimavave, Thomas Leuluai.
COWBOYS
Matt Bowen
Ty Williams
Josh Hannay
Paul Bowman
Matt Sing
David Myles
Chris Sheppard
Paul Rauhihi (c)
Leigh McWilliams
Jamie McDonald
Steve Southern
Kevin Campion
Luke O'Donnell
Reserves: Aaron Payne, Mitchell Sargent, Shane Tronc, David Fauimu.
Rugby League: Warriors shop for props at Bartercard
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