ISP and NYC teams for sixth round

New signing Ligi Sao plays for the Vodafone Warriors in the Intrust Super Premiership for the first time on Sunday. Image | www.photosport.nz

Author: Richard Becht
Timestamp: Tue 5 Apr 2016, 02:00 PM

New signing Shaun Lane and offseason recruit Ligi Sao will both make their Intrust Super Premiership debuts for the Vodafone Warriors against North Sydney at North Sydney Oval on Sunday (1.00pm kick-off local time; 3.00pm NZT).

The 21-year-old Lane’s move from Canterbury-Bankstown was officially completed only today, paving the way for the giant 14-game NRL back rower to begin his career at Mount Smart Stadium.

He has immediately been drafted into the second row of the Stacey Jones-coached side partnering veteran Ali Lauitiiti.

Sao, who joined the Vodafone Warriors from Manly, comes into the side for the first time after being sidelined with a shoulder injury he picked up in the preseason trial against the St George Illawarra Dragons in Nelson on February 20. He’s named on the bench.

Back from a one-game suspension is prop James Gavet giving the squad a total of 11 players with NRL experience.

Meanwhile, second rower Marata Niukore makes his first NYC appearance of the season in the Vodafone Junior Warriors’ sixth-round clash against Manly at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday (5.15pm kick-off).

Also returning to the line-up is promising front rower Isaiah Papalii.

VODAFONE WARRIORS v NORTH SYDNEY

North Sydney Oval, Sydney

1.00pm, Sunday, April 10

VODAFONE WARRIORS

1 HENARE WELLS

2 KEN MAUMALO

3 DAVID FUSITU’A

4 MATTHEW ALLWOOD

5 CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD

6 ATA HINGANO

7 MASON LINO