Vodafone Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney is moving closer to deciding who will partner halfback Blake Green in the No 6 jersey but he's not about to offer any hints yet.
With Blake certain to wear No 7 in the season-opener against the Bulldogs on March 16, Kearney is tossing up between Adam Keighran and Chanel Harris-Tavita at standoff.
The pair shared the role in the first half of Saturday's 26-16 trial win over the Wests Tigers, Keighran starting as Green's partner before Harris-Tavita replaced him midway through the first half.
Green's day was over after 40 minutes leaving Keighran and Harris-Tavita to operate in tandem after the break.
Kearney isn't about to offer any indication of who has the inside running for the vacant position.
"Once we've had a closer look at the game and get a feel for what we think best suits the footy team, we'll make that decision," he said after the impressive display against Wests Tigers in Whangarei.
Off-season addition Keighran has been impressive in the trials but he got off on the wrong foot at the Vodafone Warriors.
He's got a bit of game about him but I don't know when he turned up if he thought it was a summer camp
Stephen Kearney Vodafone Warriors head coach
"He's got a bit of game about him but I don't know when he turned up if he thought it was a summer camp," he said.
"He didn't go real well and didn't make a good impression from a fitness point of view. I don't know what he expected and I don't think he realised what our expectations were but he's worked really hard on his game so that's a credit to him."
Harris-Tavita has come through the Vodafone Warriors' junior system and is keeping a level head in his battle with Keighran for a starting spot.
"It's an opportunity for us," said Harris-Tavita.
I see it as an advantage because we're both competing every week for that spot
Chanel Harris-Tavita Vodafone Warriors standoff
"I see it as an advantage because we're both competing every week for that spot and it's only going to make us better."
Turning 20 in April, Harris-Tavita has formed a solid friendship with his team-mate.
"We're pretty tight and we're looking to help each other," he said.
"Everyone asks us if there's a bit of beef in there but we're real close and catch up on off days. He took me for my first game of golf.
"Whoever gets it will deserve it. I'd be happy with whoever gets it because it'll just be motivation for both of us to keep pushing for that spot."
