NRL: Vatuvei returns to face Bunnies

Manu Vatuvei. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Winger Manu Vatuvei, prop Russell Packer and fullback Kevin Locke have been named in a 22-man Warriors squad to travel to Australia for Saturday night's second NRL trial against South Sydney at Coffs Harbour.

Packer and Locke, both with the Kiwis for last year's Four Nations, missed the 26-10 win against Gold Coast at North Harbour Stadium but coach Brian McClennan has included them for the second of the club's three pre-season trials ahead of their NRL season-opener against Manly at Eden Park on March 4.

McClennan also named Vatuvei, who came through unscathed after scoring the match-winning try for the NRL All Stars against the Indigenous All Stars in Robina on Saturday night.

Among those not travelling are veterans Jerome Ropati, Micheal Luck and Jacob Lillyman. Luck is recovering from shoulder surgery while Lillyman is facing three months on the sideline after tearing his right bicep from the tendon early in the match against the Titans. Ropati is continuing his rehabilitation from knee surgery last year.

With Lillyman out, Sione Lousi, Steve Rapira and Ukuma Ta'ai are in contention for the vacancy created by the Queensland State of Origin player's enforced absence.

"Being the second of three trials, we've got the opportunity to look at some more options for this trial,'' McClennan said. "We had the chance to give 25 of our squad a run last weekend. It was really pleasing the young boys had the experience of playing at this level.''

Last weekend captain Simon Mannering, hooker Nathan Friend, second rower Feleti Mateo and halfback Shaun Johnson played only the first half against Gold Coast. James Maloney was also taken off at halftime but returned for the final 20-minute term.

Of the players in the squad from the 2011 Junior Warriors, Konrad Hurrell, Ben Henry, Carlos Tuimavave and Sebastine Ikahihifo are being given another opportunity this weekend.

The Warriors' final trial is against Queensland Cup side Sunshine Coast at Toll Stadium in Whangarei on February 18. They then have a weekend off before their grand final rematch at Eden Park on March 4

Warriors squad for Saturday's pre-season match against South Sydney is: Lewis Brown, Glen Fisiiahi, Nathan Friend, Pita Godinet, Ben Henry, Konrad Hurrell, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Shaun Johnson, Kevin Locke, Sione Lousi, James Maloney, Simon Mannering (c), Feleti Mateo, Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, Sam Rapira, Steve Rapira, Ukuma Ta'ai, Elijah Taylor, Carlos Tuimavave, Bill Tupou, Manu Vatuvei.