Wing Manu Vatuvei and fullback Sam Tomkins are in line to return from injury for the Vodafone Warriors’ 12th-round NRL clash against Newcastle at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday (4.00pm kick-off; match day sponsor: TNT).
Both are available for selection for what will be the Vodafone Warriors’ first home game since the Anzac Day contest against Gold Coast.
Vatuvei, who has scored seven tries in nine games so far this season, was forced off the field with a sternum injury in the May 9 clash against Cronulla; he had hoped to return the following week against Parramatta but was eventually ruled out.
The last of Tomkins’ two appearances so far this season was in the 29-16 third-round win over Parramatta on March 21.
Following the 28-32 loss to the Titans, the Vodafone Warriors have rebounded with 20-16 and 17-13 away wins over Cronulla and Parramatta while also collecting two points from their bye this week to sit seventh on the table.
The Knights complete the abbreviated round when they host the Broncos tonight and will join the Vodafone Warriors on 12 points if they prevail tonight.
While Vatuvei and Tomkins are poised to make their comebacks this Sunday, fellow outside backs Glen Fisiiahi (knee) and David Fusitu’a (groin) are on track to be available in round 13. The Vodafone Warriors’ NRL side will be in Perth that weekend to face South Sydney while the club’s New South Wales Cup side is at home to Canterbury-Bankstown.
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NRL REHAB ROOM
Matt Allwood (ankle) | Round 14
Glen Fisiiahi (knee) | Round 13
David Fusitu’a (groin) | Round 13
Ben Henry (knee) | Season
Ngani Laumape (knee) | Season
Thomas Leuluai (knee) | Season
Sione Lousi (hamstring) | Indefinite
John Palavi (ankle) | Round 14
Sam Rapira (knee) | Round 14
- Konrad Hurrell is suspended until round 14.
