Swann set to strut again in NRL
Former Warriors star Logan Swann is about to return to the field for the Warriors after more than 3 years away from home. Swann has been named in the strong NZ lineup against the Bulldogs for Saturday night's trial in Auckland. 32-year-old Swann's last game for the Warriors was way back in 2003, which was a semi final loss to the Panthers.
The Warriors fell just one game shy of the Grand Final after making it the year before. In his first trial appearance of the year Swann is set to re-join his old team mates for the first time after spending three seasons in the English Super League with the Bradford Bulls and another stint at the Warrington Wolves.
Five Eight Jerome Ropati has also been named in the Warriors line-up and will show his wares, hoping to cement the pivot role ahead of new signing Michael Witt. "It's tremendous to have Logan back playing for the Warriors," said head coach Ivan Cleary. "He'll be an important player for us this year with all the experience he brings back to the club." "We decided not to take Jerome to Mackay but now he has the chance to firm up his claims in the No 6 jersey."
Cleary has listed a 20-man group for the trial against the Canturbury Bulldogs. However he will wait until late this week before trimming the squad and confirming the starting line-up. Left out of the squad was loose forward Louis Anderson (shoulder) who should be fit for the round one match against Parramatta on March 17.
Young fullback Aidan Kirk and exciting utility Patrick Ah Van are both recovering from off-season operations and strong running second rower Wairangi Koopu is out of action with continued shoulder problems. Cleary was keen to send his best line-up into the Bulldogs trial. "This is the key trial for us, the last one before we start our season," he said. "Our match form in the Cowboys outing wasn't ideal. "We're looking for improvement in several areas against the Bulldogs."
The Warriors were dusted 32-14 by the Cowboys last week. They allowed the Cowboys a 10 point headstart and finally started closing the margin as the match wore on, getting to 10-4 with 10 minutes into the second half. "We've put that performance behind us. This week we focus hard on a number of things." The Bulldogs accounted for St George Illawarra 26-16 in their strong trial outing last Saturday.
The Dogs are expected to give Sonny Bill Williams more match time this weekend after being he was only used sparingly for around 40 minutes against the Dragons.
Warriors 20 Man Squad for Bulldogs Match:
Wade McKinnon, Manu Vatuvei, Todd Byrne, Michael Crockett, Tony Martin, Simon Mannering, Lance Hohaia, Jerome Ropati, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Steve Price, Ruben Wiki, Evarn Tuimavave, Sam Rapira, Nathan Fien, George Gatis, Logan Swann, Epalahame Lauaki, Corey Lawrie.
NRL News article.
Source: NRL News Staff
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