NRL: Maloney pencilled in but judiciary to call shots

James Maloney. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors may have named their team to face the Broncos on Sunday but the actual make-up of the side won't be known for some time - possibly as late as kick-off.

Impressive newcomer James Maloney has been pencilled in at halfback but his chances of playing rest on the outcome of his challenge of a grade one throwing charge at the NRL judiciary in Sydney tonight.

Back rower Lewis Brown has already offered a guilty plea for his part in the three-man tackle on Anthony Tupou, meaning he misses the trip to Brisbane.

Maloney would also have copped a one-match ban for a guilty plea but, because of the carryover points from his illegal hit on Scott Prince in round one, he faces a two-match suspension if he loses his case tonight.

Brown's admitted culpability might help Maloney's case but, given footage of the incident suggesting Maloney put his hands between Tupou's legs and did the initial lifting, his chances of an acquittal appear marginal.

With the Warriors already having lost senior playmaker Brett Seymour for a lengthy period to a thumb injury, Maloney's suspension would leave coach Ivan Cleary needing to cobble together a Plan B that included neither of his first-choice halves.

Following a week in which he successfully kept Seymour's injury under wraps, Cleary is again keeping his selection cards close to his chest.

The safety-first approach would see utility Lance Hohaia switch from fullback to halfback to partner Joel Moon, with Wade McKinnon to go from the bench to the starting line-up.

That would free up a place on the bench. Given Cleary's somewhat Machiavellian approach to team announcements, it wouldn't be a complete surprise to see Steve Price take that spot. The club has been vague about the timetable for Price's return, but he is back in full training. Price was listed on the NRL's website as being fit to return in round three.

The promotion of promising youngster Shaun Johnson is another option available to Cleary. Johnson kicked a touchline penalty on the final hooter to earn the Junior Warriors a 30-30 draw with the Sharks on Saturday.

Brown's suspension sees Ben Matulino in the starting line-up. Sione Lousi returns to the bench after dropping out last week with a leg injury.

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 4pm Sunday

BRONCOS
Corey Norman
Antonio Winterstein
Gerard Beale
Israel Folau
Denan Kemp
Darren Lockyer (c)
Peter Wallace
Nick Kenny
A McCullough
Scott Anderson
Ben Te'o
Sam Thaiday
Corey Parker

Interchange (from): Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire, Lagi Setu.

WARRIORS
Lance Hohaia
Kevin Locke
Brent Tate
Jerome Ropati
Manu Vatuvei
Joel Moon
James Maloney
Jesse Royal
Aaron Heremaia
Sam Rapira
Ben Matulino
S Mannering (c)
Micheal Luck

Interchange: Wade McKinnon, Jeremy Latimore, Russell Packer, Sione Lousi.