Extended squad named for Christchurch match

Author: warriors.kiwi
Timestamp: Tue 26 Mar 2019, 02:55 PM

Issac Luke has been named at hooker while Karl Lawton has been included on an extended bench for the Vodafone Warriors ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Sea Eagles at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

The Vodafone Warriors will head into the “away” game looking to bounce back after a loss to the Wests Tigers last Sunday.

All 17 players who took the field at Campbelltown have been named in this week’s line up with Lawton’s inclusion in the place of Nate Roache the only change to the 21-man squad named by coach Stephen Kearney last Tuesday.

Roache was a late withdrawal from the Tigers game after suffering from calf tightness at the captains’ run.

“Last week’s performance against the Tigers was disappointing,” Kearney said.

“I’m expecting our players to respond accordingly and Saturday’s game against Manly gives us a good chance to do that.

“Nate’s still got a bit of tightness in his calf so we won’t be risking him this week.”

Although he has been charged by the NRL judiciary for dangerous contact on Tigers forward Mikaele Thomas, prop Sam Lisone has been included on the Vodafone Warriors’ bench.

He is pleading not guilty and his hearing will take place at NRL headquarters in Sydney at 9pm (NZT) this evening.

If he fails to overturn the charge, Lisone will be sidelined for two games.

Likewise, Lawton, who played for the club’s Canterbury Cup NSW team last weekend, has been charged with tripping. After also pleading not guilty, his hearing will take place on Wednesday night.

If found guilty, Lawton will miss one game.

Should either player be ruled out, the Vodafone Warriors will be able to replace them in the 21-man squad for Saturday’s game against the Sea Eagles.

Manly, who are officially the home team this weekend, will head into the game having yet to record a win this season after losses to the Tigers and Roosters.