Vodafone Warriors replace injured Aitken with Pompey

Pompey replaces injured Aitken for Knights clash

Author: Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Timestamp: Tue 16 Mar 2021, 03:02 PM

Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown has brought Adam Pompey into the centres to replace the injured Euan Aitken for Friday night’s second-round NRL encounter with the Newcastle Knights at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford (6.00pm kick-off local time; 8.00pm NZT).

The 22-year-old Pompey’s inclusion is the only change to the line-up used in last Saturday’s season-opening 19-6 home win over Gold Coast.

After impressing in 13 outings last season, Pompey will team up on the left edge inside experienced winger Ken Maumalo.

Aitken is set to have surgery after a high ankle sprain in his left leg during his debut for the club. It’s expected he will be side-lined for 8-10 weeks.

“It’s disappointing for Euan and for us as a team but we’ve got a very capable replacement in Adam,” said Brown

We’ve got a very capable replacement for Euan in Adam
Nathan Brown Vodafone Warriors head coach

“He was outstanding at the back end of last season and he has trialled very well for us against the Titans and Redcliffe in the lead-up to this season.”

Pompey split his appearances between the centres and the wing last year. In taking his career tally to 18 games, he scored five tries and averaged 108 metres a match. He’s also a goal-kicking option.

Round 2 - Round 2 - Friday 19 Mar

Full Time

Warriors

Knights

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tex Hoy
Winger for Warriors is number 2 David Fusitu'a

Winger for Knights is number 2 Starford To'a
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Adam Pompey

Centre for Knights is number 3 Enari Tuala
Centre for Warriors is number 4 Peta Hiku

Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Ken Maumalo

Winger for Knights is number 5 Hymel Hunt
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Kodi Nikorima

Five-Eighth for Knights is number 18 Phoenix Crossland
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Chanel Harris-Tavita

Halfback for Knights is number 7 Mitchell Pearce

Forwards

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop for Knights is number 8 David Klemmer
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan

Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey
Prop for Warriors is number 10 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Prop for Knights is number 10 Daniel Saifiti
2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Eliesa Katoa

2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Bayley Sironen

2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Mitchell Barnett
Lock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris

Lock for Knights is number 14 Sauaso Sue

Interchange

Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Jazz Tevaga

Interchange for Knights is number 13 Connor Watson
Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Ben Murdoch-Masila

Interchange for Knights is number 15 Jacob Saifiti
Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Leeson Ah Mau

Interchange for Knights is number 16 Josh King
Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Bunty Afoa

Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie Jones

Match Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall

Last updated: 5/29/2023 4:41:09 AM

He was named in jersey #18 in the extended squad last week; that spot has been filled by new signing Marcelo Montoya.

There’s one other change in the 21-man squad which sees second rower Jack Murchie named in jersey #22 replacing Josh Curran.

Hooker Wayde Egan and second rower Bayley Sironen have been named but face further tests under the head injury protocols.

New recruit Addin Fonua-Blake, who topped 200 metres in his club debut, will play his 99th career match while Maumalo will move to 97 appearances and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will edge his tally for the club to 96.

Friday night’s second consecutive home game in Gosford will provide a stern test for the Vodafone Warriors who face a buoyant Newcastle side coming off a 32-16 round one success against Canterbury Bankstown.

They also impressed up front with their big pack led by Daniel Saifiti, David Klemmer, new acquisition Tyson Frizzell and Mitch Barnett. They all made more than 170 metres each.

Last week’s win was just the 10th time in 27 attempts that the Vodafone Warriors have opened a season with a victory. They have won the first two games of a season only three times.

In 43 contests between the two sides, the Vodafone Warriors have a 22-20 edge with one match drawn. In their most recent meeting the Vodafone Warriors had their best win on the season, beating the Knights 36-6 in Tamworth last August.