By PETER JESSUP
Former North Queensland hooker Paul Dezolt will get his first chance to play for the Warriors against his old team in Townsville on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old is the only change to the side who beat Melbourne, covering the loss of Tevita Latu.
Stacey Jones, in his 200th game for
the club, is playing in the five-eighth role this week after shifting between that and halfback against the Storm.
Lance Hohaia is seen as the quicker option close to the ruck and Jones is given an extra half-metre and split-second to go for his option.
The Warriors forwards went well last Sunday and should get a better roll-on from Dezolt, who will be keen to impress.
After being cut by the Cowboys at the end of last season, he gave up on an NRL career and took a job. The Warriors' offer of a half-season contract to June came out of the blue. They were seeking cover in the No 9 jersey after PJ Marsh's return from neck injury was delayed and because Latu was recovering from tuberculosis.
The injured Monty Betham is still three weeks away and Latu dislocated his shoulder last Sunday and is out for six weeks. The Warriors will improve markedly with a specialist back in the job, especially because Marsh offers a smart, short-kicking game and good vision as the link man in support.
Another highly-rated talent in 2003 is travelling with the squad this weekend. Junior Kiwi Manu Vatuvei, 18, weighs in at 109kg, is 189cm tall and has been labelled league's Jonah Lomu.
Vatuvei has been in the Warriors' development squad for two years and played against the Cronulla Sharks in a pre-season match last year.
A leg injury stalled his progress, but he has come back through the Bartercard Cup with Otahuhu.
The NRL charged Jerry Seuseu with a striking offence and Richard Villasanti with a low-grade high tackle after the Storm game, each count carrying 93 demerit points (100 points means a one-week ban).
Both admitted the charges and will play, as will Cowboys halfback Nathan Fien, who pleaded guilty to a high-tackle count worth 93 points.
The Cowboys have doubts over hooker Aaron Payne, who has a quadriceps injury, with regular Leigh McWilliams still weeks away.
The Warriors' former star Ali Lauitiiti has yet to sign his preferred English Super League contract, but has decided which one he wants.
His co-manager, Frank Endacott, said Lauitiiti would be playing within three weeks, but would not reveal what colours he would be in.
"The club has a good reason for wanting to hold on to the announcement until the weekend," Endacott said, promising details on Sunday or Monday. Wigan, St Helens and Leeds are in the running.
Teams:
NZ Warriors: Brent Webb, Francis Meli, Vinnie Anderson, Clinton Toopi, Tony Martin, Stacey Jones, Lance Hohaia, Jerry Seuseu, Paul Dezolt, Richard Villasanti, Epalahame Lauaki, Awen Guttenbeil (c), Sione Faumuina; interchange, Wairangi Koopu, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Karl Temata, Vince Mellars, Manu Vatuvei (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys (possible): Matt Bowen, Ty Williams, Josh Hannay, Paul Bowman, Matt Sing, David Myles, Nathan Fien, Paul Rauhihi, Aaron Payne, Jamie McDonald, Kevin Campion, Glenn Morrison, Travis Norton (c); interchange, Michael Luck, Luke O'Donnell, Mitchell Sargent, Shane Tronc.
Warriors draw and results - 2004 NRL
Other NRL fixtures and points table
By PETER JESSUP
Former North Queensland hooker Paul Dezolt will get his first chance to play for the Warriors against his old team in Townsville on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old is the only change to the side who beat Melbourne, covering the loss of Tevita Latu.
Stacey Jones, in his 200th game for
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