KEY POINTS:
Brent Tate certainly wasn't worried about the fact the Warriors lost their second and final trial match before the NRL season kicks off in a fortnight, he was just happy to emerge unscathed.
The new recruit played his first match in the 24-16 defeat to Manly on the
Sunshine Coast on Friday night since picking up a serious knee injury in the third State of Origin match seven months ago. Crucially for coach Ivan Cleary, Tate and his new team-mates got through it without incident.
Tate admitted to a few nerves before the match but his confidence grew in the 40 minutes he played and he also set up a try for Michael Witt after one of his trademark bursts through the opposition.
"Brent went really well and got more confident as the game went on," Warriors skipper and brother-in-law Steve Price said. "He looked pretty dangerous every time he touched the ball. He will be a lot better off for the run against Manly and he will be ready to face Melbourne [on March 17]."
Tate's likely partner in the centres, Jerome Ropati, also had his first run of the season after recovering from a niggling injury. Much is expected of the exciting pair in 2008, especially after fullback Wade McKinnon was invalided out of the season with a knee injury picked up in the trial game against Newcastle.
Aidan Kirk appears to have the inside running for the No 1 jersey, playing the first half and a large chunk of the second. Lance Hohaia, Cleary's other option, played about 20 minutes in the second half as each side opted to ring the changes.
Kirk has some big boots to fill, as McKinnon was one of the best NRL players in 2007. He provided flair and security - as well as a penchant for clashing with referees - and Kirk has yet to make his NRL debut.
He spilled a high ball that led to Manly's first try but could be excused considering the conditions.
The Warriors led 12-10 at halftime, courtesy of tries to Grant Rovelli and Witt.
Michael Bani scored a double in the first half and added a third soon after the break. Prop Josh Perry and David Williams crossed in the final 10 minutes to make sure of the win before winger Malo Solomona scored in the final act of the match.
* Manly 24 (M. Bani 3, J. Perry, D. Williams tries, J. Lyon 2 cons) Warriors 16 (G. Rovelli, M. Witt, M. Solomona tries, Witt 2 cons). HT: 10-12.