The New Zealand Warriors' quartet of props will look to carry on where they left off when they front up on Sunday against a South Sydney side desperate to remain in National Rugby league playoff contention.
The rotation of Sam Rapira, Jacob Lillyman, Ben Matulino and Russell Packer provided the
go-forward for the Warriors' dominant 36-12 victory over Canterbury Bankstown last Friday night.
It was the club's biggest win of the year and coach Ivan Cleary's response has been to retain the same 17 players for the trip across the Tasman.
Matulino's inclusion means he maintains his status as one of three ever-present Warriors this season.
Along with skipper Simon Mannering and second rower Feleti Mateo, he has 17 appearance under his belt - and he was part of all 25 matches in 2010 as well.
"I'm glad I still haven't been dropped yet," he quipped.
"I must be doing something right."
Matulino credited the return of fellow Kiwi Sam Rapira a fortnight ago as a big part of the Warriors' ability to post back-to-back wins after a four-match losing streak.
In his second outing after two months on the sidelines with a thumb injury, Rapira ran the ball 143 metres against the Bulldogs, the most by any forward in the game.
Matulino compared Rapira's influence within the team to that of defensive workhorse Micheal Luck, who also came off the casualty list at the same time.
"It's good to have Sammy back, he lifts everyone when he comes back," he said.
"It's like having Lucky back as well. Everyone in the team has a huge respect for them both."
At 22, Matulino is still young for a frontrower, as are Packer, 21, Rapira, 24, and even Lillyman, 27.
He admitted he hit a flat patch during the Warriors' run of four losses last month, but had turned the corner.
"There are no weak teams, so you have to perform every week," he said.
"I think the games where I didn't play well, the preparation and recovery were a big part of it. I sort of went away from that. I've got it back on track and I'm playing reasonably well."
With seven rounds to go in the regular season, the Warriors are sixth of the table, but know they could drop out of the top eight if they lose and other results go against them over the weekend.
The Rabbitohs are five places and four points back, so have more at stake and they look to back up their golden-point win over the Sydney Roosters.
That victory was secured by a 51-metre field goal from halfback Chris Sandow, whom Matulino has identified as the key man for the Rabbitohs.
"We need to get in his face and limit his opportunities."
The Warriors won the last match between the sides, prevailing 12-6 after a tight arm wrestle in Auckland in May.
Jacob Lillyman. Photo / Getty Images
The New Zealand Warriors' quartet of props will look to carry on where they left off when they front up on Sunday against a South Sydney side desperate to remain in National Rugby league playoff contention.
The rotation of Sam Rapira, Jacob Lillyman, Ben Matulino and Russell Packer provided the
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.