The Warriors’ depth is in for a significant test as Rocco Berry’s one-game suspension adds him to their list of outs for Saturday’s clash against Brisbane.
The Auckland club had already been preparing to lose co-captain James Fisher-Harris (pectoral) and star fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (head knock) after both went down in Sunday’s 42-14 loss to Melbourne.
Four-time premiership-winner Fisher-Harris was booked in for scans on arrival back in Auckland on Monday but the club is not expecting an update on his condition until later in the week.
Berry has been offered a one-game suspension for a late, high shot on opposite centre Jack Howarth in the final 10 minutes of the hefty loss in Melbourne.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)
He would risk missing two games by challenging his grade-two charge at the judiciary on Tuesday night.
With backs Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck still injured, the Warriors are likely to shift Taine Tuapiki to fullback to cover for Nicoll-Klokstad and name Ed Kosi on the wing.
Morgan Harper could make his club debut in the centres after arriving on a one-year deal from Parramatta this season.
The Bulldogs are set to get a massive boost for their Good Friday blockbuster against Souths with star duo Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau returning from knee injuries.
They have not suited up for a month after suffering medial ligament damage in the Round 3 win over Parramatta but are on track for the Accor Stadium where Canterbury will put their undefeated record on the line against a depleted Bunnies side.
Jayden Sullivan and Sean Keppie were banned 1-2 games each after being charged for dangerous contact and high tackle offences respectively in Saturday’s loss to North Queensland in Perth.
Brisbane’s chances of bouncing back from their upset loss to the Roosters have been strengthened by Jordan Riki returning from a high tackle ban but fellow back-rower Jack Gosiewski will be out 1-2 matches after being charged for the same offence.
Round 7 teams
All times AEST
Sea Eagles vs Dragons at 4 Pines Park: 7.50pm, Thursday April 17
Sea Eagles: Corey Waddell has one more match to serve for his two-game ban for a high shot on Tyran Wishart. Haumole Olakau’atu was charged for a high tackle on Sam Stonestreet in the loss to Cronulla but has avoided a ban, copping a $1000 fine.
Dragons: Christian Tuipulotu is likely to miss this match against his old club after straining his hamstring in the big win over Gold Coast. Mathew Feagai is set to get a recall on the wing.
Emre Guler is back next week from his hip-drop suspension.
Bulldogs vs Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium: 4.05pm, Friday April 18
Bulldogs: Rested after the bye, Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau are due to return from a month out with knee injuries.
Rabbitohs: With Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys sidelined with hamstring injuries and Bud Sullivan banned 1-2 matches for dangerous contact, English half Lewis Dodd is set to finally make his NRL debut after serving a ban in the NSW Cup.
Veteran prop Sean Keppie has also been suspended a week for a high tackle in the loss to the Cowboys.
Dolphins vs Storm at Suncorp Stadium: 8pm, Friday April 18
Dolphins: Utility forward Ray Stone is back after a one-game high tackle ban.
Storm: Winger Will Warbrick and prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona are a chance to return after recent concussions.
Warriors vs Broncos at Go Media Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday April 19
Warriors: Rocco Berry (suspension), James Fisher-Harris (pectoral) and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) are out.
With backs Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck still injured, the Warriors are likely to shift Taine Tuapiki to fullback to cover for Nicoll-Klokstad and name Ed Kosi on the wing.
Morgan Harper could make his club debut in the centres after arriving on a one-year deal from Parramatta this season.
Broncos: Jordan Riki will return from a grade-two careless high tackle ban but fellow back-rower Jack Gosiewski was charged with a careless high tackle and will be out 1-2 matches.
Roosters vs Panthers at Allianz Stadium: 7.35pm, Saturday April 19
Roosters: Billy Smith is in strife for a high shot on Reece Walsh in Friday’s upset win in Brisbane, facing a ban of 1-2 games. Mark Nawaqanitawase is his likely replacement after he was the standby reserve against the Broncos.
Second-rower Angus Crichton is free to play after only receiving a fine for his raised forearm into the throat of former teammate Adam Reynolds.
Panthers: Five-eighth Jack Cole (concussion) and hooker Mitch Kenny are pushing for a return while star winger Brian To’o (hamstring) is also hopeful of declaring his fitness.
Titans vs Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium: 2pm, Sunday April 20
Titans: Captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will return after serving one match for his hit on Felisa Kaufusi. Young forward Brock Gray has been banned this week for a careless high tackle in the loss to the Dragons.
Raiders: Injury-plagued forward Zac Hosking could be available to return from a hand complaint.
Jacob Saifiti on the charge. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
Knights vs Sharks at McDonald Jones Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday April 20
Knights: Front-rower Jacob Saifiti (calf) and winger James Schiller (concussion) sat out Sunday’s stoush with the Tigers.
Sharks: Centre Kayal Iro is another week or two away from a return after injuring his hamstring recently.
Wests Tigers vs Eels at CommBank Stadium: 4pm, Monday April 21
Tigers: Latu Fainu won’t be available for a few weeks after he needed to have surgery to repair his injured thumb.
Eels: Star half Mitch Moses is two more weeks away for his comeback from foot surgery. Veteran forward Ryan Matterson ($1000-$1500) was fined for dangerous contact on Joseph Tapine in the loss to Canberra in Darwin.
Bye – Cowboys
with AAP
