KEY POINTS:
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has a pretty good idea what his starting line-up will be for the round one clash with Parramatta in a fortnight's time at Mt Smart, but there are still bench places open for players who shine against the Bulldogs at North Harbour Stadium tonight.
Cleary was reticent about specifics of who might be playing for a spot in the season-opener in tonight's final trial, but he did say his eye would mostly be trained on the big men as he looks to fine-tune his rotation strategy.
"We're not sure what the makeup of the team is going be for round one in terms of the bench and rotation," Cleary said.
"But we should know a bit more after Saturday night, watching a couple of guys to see how they go.
"You've got to take into account match fitness for the big guys - rotation will really come into it. But, in terms of straight-out starters, we are pretty settled."
With the pecking order among the forwards and outside backs fairly well defined, the biggest selection poser ahead of the Eels match is who will start in the pivotal five-eighths position.
Jerome Ropati is the incumbent and has shown glimpses of genuine potential in the role, including a four-try effort in the final match of last season against Sydney Roosters.
Ropati recently inked a two-year contract extension, but he will come under pressure from new signing Michael Witt, whose goal-kicking is an asset Cleary will be keen to use.
"It's likely we'll start with Jerome, but that might be influenced by rotation so we'll wait and see," said Cleary, who has pledged to send out his strongest line-up tonight.
Logan Swann and Nathan Fien are sure to be among the players under the microscope. Cleary will be keen to see how Swann readjusts to the NRL after a three-year hiatus, while Fien, who has just returned to full fitness after playing through a nagging injury for the middle part of last year's tri-nations campaign, will be out to hold off the challenge of a rejuvenated Lance Hohaia in the battle for the hooking role.
Willie Mason and Sonny-Bill Williams headline a Dogs side that is favoured to be among the contenders come September, so Cleary knows tonight's match will provide a fair gauge of where his side is at.
"They [Bulldogs] are always up there. They have got some great players and are a successful club. We have got some very hard games early on, so we'll get an early test on Saturday, which is exactly what we want."
Wing Patrick Ah Van and second rowers Wairangi Koopu and Louis Anderson are still on the injured list, although Anderson is expected to be fit to face the Eels.
Tonight's game may be a trial, but the Warriors are wary of heading into the season proper with just a solitary win against non-NRL opposition. A confidence-boosting victory is high on Cleary's agenda.
"You've got to want to win the game and we certainly want to win it, but I guess it's more important we play well and we get some confidence and combinations," he said.
"We don't want to play badly and fluke a win.
"It is more important to play very well and, if we are beaten on the night, so be it. But we want to win."
North Harbour Stadium, 7.30 tonight
Warriors*: Wade McKinnon, Michael Crockett, Tony Martin, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati, Grant Rovelli, Ruben Wiki, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (c), Logan Swann, Epalahame Lauaki, Micheal Luck
Interchange: Lance Hohaia, Evarn Tuimavave, Todd Byrne, Michael Witt, Sam Rapira, Corey Lawrie, George Gatis.
* Possible Warriors team
Bulldogs: Luke Patten, Namila Davui, Daryl Millard, Willie Tonga, Trent Cutler, Dallas McIlwain, Ben Roberts, Jarred Hickey, Corey Hughes, Willie Mason, Kane Cleal, Andrew Ryan, S. Williams
Interchange: Lee Te Maari, Adam Perry, Cameron Phelps, Andrew Emelio, Aaron Wheatley, Jon Green, Nick Kouparitsas.
