League: Unchanged Warriors chasing test selection

Sonny Bill Williams

The Warriors will play an unchanged line-up against the Bulldogs at Ericsson Stadium on Sunday, with players from both sides looking at a last chance for Kiwi selection.

Brent Webb, Clinton Toopi, Ruben Wiki and second rowers Sione Faumuina, Wairangi Koopu and Awen Guttenbeil and lock Louis Anderson from the Warriors and Bulldogs wing Matt Utai, prop Roy Asotasi and bench player Sonny Bill Williams are all in the frame and need big games to cement test places.

The big question mark is over Williams, who played 52 minutes against Manly as the Dogs slumped 40-14. While you would not leave him out of the international in Brisbane on May 5 because of his brilliance, he does not look up to starting.

Jerome Ropati retains the Warriors' five-eighth spot against the Dogs and a solid performance may see him elevated to the six jersey for the test, but Nigel Vagana remains favourite after his comeback from injury for Cronulla.

South Sydney were narrowly beaten by the Bulldogs last Monday and, after a second defeat at the hands of the Warriors on Saturday, Rabbitohs coach Shaun McRae said that the short turnaround had not helped them and he'd watch the Manly-Bulldogs game with interest.

After being pummelled at Brookvale and again having to back up with shorter preparation time plus having to travel, the Bulldogs will be vulnerable. The Warriors enjoy playing the Dogs and often produce their best off-loading and support-play football.

It is the first time captain Steve Price plays his old club - a knee injury kept him out of the contest last year. His leadership and that of Wiki and Guttenbeil would be critical, said coach Ivan Cleary.

The Dogs coach Steve Folkes apologised to fans and sponsors after what he called a "disgraceful" performance against Manly so they will be fired up.

The Dogs had six international prospects in action against Manly in Utai and Williams for the Kiwis and former Kangaroos captain Andrew Ryan, Willie Mason, Mark O'Meley and Willie Tonga, without injury or suspension problems they are expected to field the same side again.


Ericsson Stadium, 2pm Sunday

Warriors: Brent Webb, Todd Byrne, Tony Martin, Clinton Toopi, Misi Taulapapa, Jerome Ropati, Nathan Fien, Ruben Wiki, George Gatis, Steve Price (c), Awen Guttenbeil, Wairangi Koopu, Louis Anderson
Interchange: Grant Rovelli, Evarn Tuimavave, Sione Faumuina, Micheal Luck.

Bulldogs Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Andrew Emelio, Willie Tonga, Matt Utai, Reni Maitua, D. Holdsworth, Chris Armit, Corey Hughes, Roy Asotasi, Willie Mason, Andrew Ryan (c), Tony Grimaldi
Interchange: Adam Perry, Mark O'Meley, Nate Myles, Sonny Bill Williams.