Herbert returns to boost squad

Warriors winger Patrick Herbert has given the club's stocks a welcome boost after returning to Australia to join teammates, while former Dragons prop Lachlan Timm is training with the club.

Herbert arrived on Friday with his partner Kirri Dinica and their son True Tuatahi Herbert, who was born on February 26, following the club's decision to stay and continue playing in the NRL while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

The 23-year-old returned to Auckland last Sunday to be with Dinica and True after the New Zealand government announced that all arrivals into the country would be required to undergo a 14-day self-isolation period.

The ruling meant that the Warriors players needed to decide whether to remain in Australia after their round one match against Newcastle or effectively leave the competition with just 15 teams.

Herbert and centre Peta Hiku, whose partner is due to give birth, flew home while the other 19 members of the squad relocated to Kingscliff in northern NSW.

Both the Australian and New Zealand governments have since introduced travel bans for non-citizens or residents but Herbert, Dinica and True arrived before the latest restrictions came into force at 12.01am Saturday.

They are now in self-isolation in Australia for a 14-day period.

Warriors teammates Gerard Beale, Jazz Tevaga, Josh Curran and Agnatius Paasi flew to Australia on Wednesday and are also in self-isolation for two weeks.

All five could be available for selection for the club’s round four “home” game against Wests Tigers on April 4, which is likely to be at Cbus Super Stadium as the Warriors are planning to remain based at Kingscliff.

Meanwhile, Timm has been training with the Warriors after the QRL's Intrust Super Cup was suspended along with the NSWRL's Canterbury Cup and all grassroots and elite junior competitions.

The 23-year-old prop is on a training contract with the Brisbane Broncos and has been playing for Redcliffe in the Intrust Super Cup.

Timm spent last season with St George Illawara and was named in the Canterbury Cup team of the year.

The Warriors have been in discussions with rival NRL clubs about signing players on loan deals and will reassess their stocks after this weekend's match against Canberra.

The Warriors have been inundated with support since announcing their decision to stay and continue playing in the NRL, with fans in Australia snapping up a new $19.95 non-ticketed All-Aus All-In membership package.