NRL: Warriors suffer blow with prop James Gavet ruled out of Roosters clash
31 Mar, 2018 11:19am
3 minutes to read
Hard-running Warriors front-rower James Gavet has been ruled out of tonight's NRL clash with the Sydney Roosters. Photo / Photosport.
By: David Skipwith
Sports writer
david.skipwith@nzherald.co.nz@dskipwithNZH
The Warriors have suffered a blow with front-rower James Gavet ruled out of tonight's NRL clash with the Sydney Roosters.
Gavet's omission means the Auckland-based side will be without two of the front-rowers they have used throughout the opening three rounds for the match at Allianz Stadium, with interchange prop Sam Lisone serving a one-game suspension.
It is unclear at this stage whether Gavet is injured and a post on the Warriors website says his replacement is yet to be confirmed, while bench forward Bunty Afoa is listed in the starting side in the NRL's updated team lists.
There could be bigger worries for the Stephen Kearney-coached side however, with back-up half Mason Lino retained on the bench despite not having featured in the opening rounds, raising questions as to the fitness of halfback Shaun Johnson.
Wing Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is the other player cut from the extended 21-man squad named on Tuesday, with Kearney due to confirm his final 17 an hour before kickoff.
The loss of Gavet will hurt the Warriors as they look to match it with one of the most formidable packs in the NRL, with the Roosters powerful forward rotation including Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Isaac Liu and captain Boyd Cordner.
The onus will be on new forward recruits Adam Blair and Tohu Harris to lead the way for the visitors, along with hooker and former Kiwis international Issac Luke.
The Warriors go into tonight's match looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season following wins over the Rabbitohs, Titans, and Raiders.
Last week's dramatic 20-19 last-minute win over Canberra was the first time in the club's 24-year history that they have won their opening three matches, and they will hope to continue to break new ground with a fourth-straight victory over one of the premiership favourites.
In 38 encounters with the Roosters since 1995, the Warriors have a 21-16 winning advantage with one draw.
Captain
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also looking to maintain his unbeaten run against his former club, with the Warriors having won their past three games against the Tri Colours, following a 14-13 victory at Mount Smart Stadium last year, and a tense 12-10 win at home and 32-28 golden point win in Gosford in 2016.
After being stunned 10-8 by Wests Tigers in the opening round, the Roosters rebounded with convincing wins over the Bulldogs (30-12) and Newcastle (38-8) to sit in fourth spot on the NRL ladder just behind the Warriors.
Sydney Roosters v Warriors at Allianz Stadium, 7.30pm
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 5. Blake Ferguson 4. Joseph Manu 3. Latrell Mitchell 2. Reece Robinson 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner (c)12. Ryan Matterson 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Mitchell Aubusson 18. Nat Butcher 21. Lindsay Collins
Warriors: 1.
Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2.
David Fusitua 3.
Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken
Maumalo 6.
Blake Green 7.
Shaun Johnson 17.
Bunty Afoa 9. Issac Luke 10. Agnatius
Paasi 11. Leivaha
Pulu 12.
Tohu Harris 13. Adam
Blair
Interchange: 14.
Jazz Tevaga 15. Ligi Sao 16. Chris Satae 18. Mason Lino 20. Anthony Gelling 21. Albert Vete
Referees: Henry Perenara, Ashley Klein.