Warriors: Locke cleared of fracture after horrific collision

Kevin Locke is taken off injured after scoring the winning try against the Roosters in Christchurch yesterday. Photo / Getty Images

Warriors' hat-trick hero Kevin Locke has come through his initial X-Rays showing no signs of a fracture.

Locke's hip collided with the goal post whilst sliding in for the match winning try in the Warriors 20-18 victory over the Sydney Roosters in Christchurch. He was stretchered off the field and taken straight to Christchurch Hospital.

Team doctor John Mayhew says the early prognosis is positive, with the winger due to be back on the field sooner rather than later.

He says at this stage it appears it is just a severe soft tissue injury and is unlikely to be a season ending one.

Manu Vatuvei also crossed for the Warriors, while James Maloney converted two of the four tries. The Roosters led 12-8 at halftime.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary believes the win could prove crucial to their top eight chances. He says it is a vital win at this stage of the season.

"These results are almost worth double at this time of the year and we've got another important game coming up this weekend."

The Warriors host the Eels at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday. Yesterday's win lifts the Warriors to ninth on the table, one spot behind the Roosters on points differential.

In other results, Newcastle has beaten Gold Coast 24-16.

- NEWSTALK ZB