NRL PREVIEW | Tomkins all clear

VODAFONE WARRIORS v BRISBANE BRONCOS

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

7.30pm, Saturday, July 19

Referees: Adam Devcich and Grant Atkins

Fullback Sam Tomkins is a confirmed starter for the Vodafone Warriors in tonight’s #RiseForAlex 19^th-round NRL encounter with Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium (7.30pm kick-off local time; 9.30pm NZT).

The 25-year-old came through the team’s final run successfully yesterday and will make his 17^th straight appearance of the season tonight.

The Vodafone Warriors have an impressive record against Brisbane in recent times winning the last three matches straight and six of the last nine since their 48-16 win at Suncorp in 2010.

The Vodafone Warriors are sixth on the ladder with 22 points heading into the match while the Broncos are eighth on 20.  

• CLICK HERE FOR BRISBANE CHANGES

FIVE KEY FEATURES

#1 SAM TOMKINS | He finished training early on Wednesday after picking up a mild hip flexor strain but trained yesterday. He had a phenomenal match against the Eels last week with two tries, three line breaks and a try assist.

#2 THOMAS LEULUAI | Leuluai returns from the three month lay-off with a groin injury. He made four appearances earlier in the season and is set to be used at dummy half at some point in his comeback outing.

#3 FELETI MATEO | The big back rower has found his best form with some classic touches in the win over his old Parramatta side. Mateo is lifting the team superbly when he’s injected from the bench.

#4 AGNATIUS PAASI | Paasi makes his debut at Vodafone Warrior #191 to complete a classic sporting story. He experienced premiership success with the club’s NYC side in 2011 and now he’s in the big-time.

#5 DANE NIELSEN | The former Queensland Origin centre makes his third straight appearance after returning for the suspended Ngani Laumape. He’s a strong defensive centre and those qualities will be critical again tonight.

VODAFONE WARRIORS

1        SAM TOMKINS

2        DAVID FUSITU’A

3        KONRAD HURRELL

4        DANE NIELSEN

5        MANU VATUVEI

6        CHAD TOWNSEND

7        SHAUN JOHNSON

8        JACOB LILLYMAN

9        NATHAN FRIEND

10       SUAIA MATAGI

11       BEN HENRY

12       SIMON MANNERING (c)

13       SEBASTINE IKAHIHIFO

Interchange:

14       FELETI MATEO

15       BEN MATULINO

16       AGNATIUS PAASI

17       THOMAS LEULUAI

HEAD COACH: ANDREW McFADDEN

BETTING – WWW.TAB.CO.NZ

Head to head | Vodafone Warriors $1.80, Brisbane $1.95

CLICK HERE FOR ALL ODDS BRISBANE BRONCOS v VODAFONE WARRIORS

TV COVERAGE

SKY SPORT 2: Live at 9.30pm.