4 Aug 2009

McKinnon dropped from Warriors lineup for disciplinary reasons

6:49 pm on 4 August 2009

Fullback Wade McKinnon has been dropped from the Warriors lineup for Sunday's national rugby league match against Gold Coast in Auckland for discplinary reasons.

McKinnon turned up late to the side's recovery session on Sunday, in the wake of their 32-all with Penrith on Saturday night.

He's been replaced by Kevin Locke.

Coach Ivan Cleary says while McKinnon's been playing strongly he expects players to abide by team protocols.

Cleary hasn't stopped the shake up there, bringing in 19 year old Elijah Taylor in to make his first grade debut, Kiwi international Jerome Ropati at centre in one of six personnel changes to the starting thirteen.

Taylor becomes the side's eighth debutant this season.

After playing the last three matches alongside Stacey Jones, Isaac John's been replaced at standoff by Aaron Heremaia while Ian Henderson's dropped at hooker in favour of Lewis Brown.

Captain Steve Price who's missed the Penrith match is still out with a rib injury.