NRL: Mannering, Hohaia return for trial

Simon Mannering will play in a trial game against the Sea Eagles on Saturday. Photo / Getty Images

Captain Simon Mannering and fullback Lance Hohaia will make their first appearances of the year in the Warriors' fourth and final National Rugby League pre-season trial against the Manly Sea Eagles at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

The Kiwi internationals, who had a heavy schedule last year, were rested from previous trials.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has included 13 players not used in last Saturday's 30-0 win against the Burleigh Bears in Whangarei.

He has opted not to risk winger Manu Vatuvei and prop Sam Rapira.

Vatuvei came out of the Rotorua trial against the Eels on February 12 with a corked thigh while Rapira has a wrist sprain received last weekend.

"They'll be fine for round one against the Eels at Eden Park (March 12) but there's no point playing them at this stage," Cleary said.

"We're happy with the way they're progressing and simply don't want to take a risk with them this week."

Those not chosen in the NRL squad are expected to play for the Auckland Vulcans in their trial against the Junior Warriors in Saturday's curtain-raiser.

The Warriors began their trials programme with a charity match against the Newcastle Knights in Greymouth on February 5 during a four-day visit to the West Coast.

On that visit they aimed to raise spirits in a community devastated by the Pike River mining disaster which claimed 29 lives.

Saturday's trial will be dedicated to the city of Christchurch following this week's earthquake tragedy.

Match organiser, North Harbour Stadium has announced all profits from the match will be donated to the Red Cross appeal for Christchurch.

- NZPA