24 Feb 2011

Mannering to play first game of 2011 in Warriors trial

11:47 am on 24 February 2011

Captain Simon Mannering and fullback Lance Hohaia will make their first appearances of the year in the Warriors' fourth and final NRL rugby league trial against Manly at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

The Kiwi internationals have been deliberately left out of the trials until now following their heavy schedule in 2010 which ended with the Kiwis' Four Nations final win against Australia in November.

Cleary has included 13 players not used in last Saturday's 30-nil win against the Burleigh Bears in Whangarei, but has opted not to risk winger Manu Vatuvei and prop Sam Rapira.

Vatuvei came out of the Rotorua trial against the Eels on February the 12th with a corked thigh while Rapira has a wrist sprain received last weekend.

Both players are expected to be available for the Warriors first official match of the NRL season against the Eels at Eden Park on March the 12th.

Saturday's match against the Sea Eagles kicks off at 6pm.