Back-up halfback Mason Lino suffered an ankle injury in the second-half of last night's 32-0 loss to the Roosters. Photo / Photosport.
Back-up halfback Mason Lino suffered an ankle injury in the second-half of last night's 32-0 loss to the Roosters. Photo / Photosport.
Injured Warriors hooker Issac Luke hopes to return for next Friday's NRL clash against Parramatta, but fill-in halfback Mason Lino is in doubt after suffering an ankle problem in last night's 32-0 loss to the Sydney Roosters.
Luke is confident he'll be fit to play the Eels at ANZ Stadium after missing the five-tries-to-none rout at Mt Smart Stadium due to a dislocated shoulder suffered in last week's win over Wests Tigers.
"I'm disappointed tonight but I'm every chance to play next week," said Luke.
"I wanted to play today but it's about being smart now, it's not about being dumb.
"I'll train on Monday with the rehab group but then I'll be back in (with the team) on Tuesday."
Issac Luke and Roosters centre Lattrell Mitchell exchange cultural gifts as part of the Indigenous Round celebrations. Photo / Getty Images.
However, Warriors coach Stephen Kearney confirmed Lino would require scans in the coming days after a possible high ankle sprain saw him limp off the park 13 minutes from fulltime.
Lino's injury appeared similar to that which kept star No 7 Shaun Johnson sidelined this week and the Kiwi international could be facing a longer than expected recovery with no clear return date.
"He's pretty sore," said Kearney. "Like last week we need to get some photographs of him and see how he is. In terms of initially what it is we're not 100 per sent sure, it's his lower leg."
If Lino's injury is serious, it could spell a crisis in the halves with Johnson out of action for at least another week.
The 27-year-old was initially expected to miss a couple of games but Kearney was unable to confirm whether he would return before the side enjoys a week off with a bye in round 13.
"I'm not 100 per cent sure. He improved pretty quickly this week but in terms of what that looks like for next week I can't say at this time," he said.
"I struggle to think about tomorrow let alone after the bye. We'll make that call, we've got a pretty experienced medical team and we'll make that call with what we think is best for Shaun and best for the footy team."
The Warriors were outplayed in all areas and were dominated physically by the Roosters to suffer their third defeat in five games.
Luke and Johnson were sorely missed but Kearney doubted whether the presence of the two playmakers would have been enough to change the result.
"I don't think that was the reason for not meeting the physical challenge so regardless of who we have out there, for the most part this year we've done a pretty good job, whoever's filling in.
"Do we miss them? Possibly. But that doesn't hide the fact that the Roosters came here tonight and we're really determined and physical and we just couldn't match that."
If Lino and Johnson are kept out of action, Kearney will have some headaches around who to partner in the halves together with five-eighth Blake Green.
Versatile centre Peta Hiku and second-rower Tohu Harris have both played test football in the No 6 role for the Kiwis, and Hiku spent time there after Johnson departed late in the second-half against the Tigers.
Karl Lawton filled in for Luke at hooker but can also play in the halves. Photo / Photosport.
A switch for versatile recruit Karl Lawton could be more likely after he replaced Luke at dummy-half in the starting side against the Tri-Colours, while fellow fringe first grader Sam Cook and reserve grade five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita are other contenders.
Luke admitted he had come close to being cleared to play this week but made the early call to miss the match to allow the side to settle on their new spine combinations.
"If I had pulled up sore this morning after (Friday's) captain's run I wouldn't have played so it was a bit risky," he said.
"It was a pretty smart move because if I had pulled up sore and not been able to play I would have ruined everyone else's preparation.
"It was good though to come up with this move to rest and get ready for next week."
