Ken Maumalo reflects on the Warriors tough start in a defeat to the Parramatta Eels. Video / NZ Herald
One of the Warriors' most important players is set for a surprise comeback.
Marquee prop Addin Fonua-Blake, who has been absent since injuring his knee in round four, could be back on the field in less than a month.
In a season that has seen a staggering amount of casualtiesat the Auckland club, with 28 players used in first grade, the prospect of an earlier than expected return for Fonua-Blake would be welcome news.
The Tongan international damaged his knee in a first0half collision against the Roosters in the April 4 clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
He required surgery and it was predicted he would be out for at least four months, with a possible return slated for August.
But Fonua-Blake has rehabilitated well and is tracking way ahead of schedule.
An injured Addin Fonua-Blake ahead of the Warriors clash with Manly earlier this month. Photosport
The club won't want to rush him back but are hopeful he could return for the Storm clash (June 13) or the trip to Newcastle (June 19).
"Addin is tracking along pretty good," coach Nathan Brown told Newstalk ZB. "We will get a little bit more information, he went for some more testing [on Tuesday] so we are not 100 per cent sure where he is at.
"But he is certainly improving well and all things being equal and him continuing to go as he is [then] after the bye round [June 4-6] he would be back.
"He needs to keep ticking boxes, but he is certainly improving. We are certainly expecting Addin, if he keeps tracking as is, to be back sooner rather than later."
His return could be a game-changer for the Warriors, as Fonua-Blake has been desperately missed.
In his first season he has quickly emerged as one of the pack leaders, along with Tohu Harris.
The 1.89m, 118 kg prop also provides momentum and go-forward that can't be replicated by any other player.
In the three full matches he played, the Warriors beat the Titans and Raiders, and led the Knights with six minutes to play before conceding a late try. Without him they have lost four of six games, including the frustrating twin defeats to the Sea Eagles and the heavy defeat to the Storm.
In other injury news, Brown said wing David Fusitu'a – who hasn't played since round five and was initially diagnosed with a complex hamstring injury – won't be back "anytime soon".
Josh Curran (elbow) and Bayley Sironen (knee) are out for at least a month, after injuries sustained last Sunday against the Eels.
Brown added that Reece Walsh will continue to be utilised as an interchange option, despite calls for the teenager to be given more game time.
The coach emphasised that the 18-year-old had only played a handful of senior matches before coming to the club and they needed to be mindful of his physical and mental development.
He also reiterated that when Walsh is used, it will be at the back, with captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck making way.
"We have certainly worked out that when he (Walsh) does come on, playing fullback and learning that role is far better for him and the team, in the short-term and long-term.
"Roger's game is the same whether he plays at fullback, or wherever he plays. He is going to play a similar type of game for us. Probably giving Reece the one position is in his best interests for his short and long-term development.
"Reece playing fullback and Roger playing other positions is probably what suits us at the moment, as far as the club for now and the club for the future goes."
