NRL: McKinnon again in doubt as first-choice fullback

Brent Tate may get the nod. Photo / Dean Purcell

An ankle injury picked up in training in Cairns last week could force regular fullback Wade McKinnon to sit out Saturday evening's final Warriors trial against Manly.

With Kiwis fullback Lance Hohaia breathing down his neck in the battle to secure the No 1 shirt for the opening round encounter with the Titans in Robina, the timing is far from ideal for McKinnon.

A regular standout prior to a serious knee injury suffered in early 2008, McKinnon's form dropped off last season and he eventually lost his place to Kevin Locke after being dropped for a breach of team protocols.

Although he was quickly restored to the side, McKinnon's status as the first-choice fullback has again come under serious pressure.

Many expected that pressure to come from Locke, but while fullback is one of the key areas coach Ivan Cleary has yet to make a final call on, Locke is for now considered primarily a wing.

Mainly used as a bench utility in recent seasons, Hohaia has trained frequently at fullback this pre-season and will slot in at the back against the Sea Eagles at North Harbour.

"There are a few tight calls, and some good players are going to miss out next week," Cleary said.

McKinnon's injury was not serious but it had ruled him out of last week's match and would likely do so again this week, Cleary said.

No date has yet been set for the return of former captain Steve Price (heel). His replacement, Simon Mannering, will sit out the final trial but is expected to be fit for round one.

There should be at least one sidelined star returning on Saturday, with Brent Tate declaring himself keen to make a first pre-season appearance.

Tate has been troubled by a series of niggles following his recovery from a knee reconstruction, but those now appear to be behind him and he should be in the squad revealed today.

The Warriors have posted convincing wins over the Cowboys and Roosters in their two previous trials, fielding a mixture of established players and young prospects, but Cleary will name his strongest side for the Manly match. "We'll put out the best guys that are fit, but I'll still be changing things around a bit.

"We've still got a few decisions to make on some positions and some young guys in particular will get more time. Manly are bringing a good team so it is going to be a really good challenge, another step up."

Cleary was also pleased Tate was talking up his prospects of playing. "I think it would be good for him. I am really hoping he can play some time. He will be fine for round one but if he can get out there and blow a few cobwebs out this weekend he will be fine."

Blockbusting winger Manu Vatuvei will also take his pre-season bow after sitting out the first two matches because of All Star game commitments.