27 Apr 2012

Locke could be out of action for four weeks

6:10 am on 27 April 2012

The Warriors fullback Kevin Locke faces up to four weeks on the sidelines with a sternum injury which blighted his comeback appearance in Wednesday night's National Rugby League loss in Melbourne.

Locke, who was returning after a three-match absence with a leg injury, lasted only six minutes of the Anzac Day contest before he left the field holding his chest.

Locke is likely to be ruled out of contention for the home games against the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters as well as the following match against Wests Tigers in Sydney on May 18th.

Also set for another stint on the sideline is experienced prop Sam Rapira, He had to sit out the start of the season with a shoulder injury but, in only his fourth game of the year, he picked up an ankle injury against the Storm.

Halfback Shaun Johnson will be available to face the Broncos next week after sitting out Wednesday's game with the shoulder injury he picked up in his Test debut last Friday night.

Long-term injured players Jacob Lillyman and Micheal Luck are close to being available at last to turn out for the Warriors for the first time this season.