McKINNON CONFIRMED TO MAKE NRL COMEBACK AGAINST BRISBANE
Vodafone Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon will make his comeback from knee surgery in Saturday night’s round 22 clash against Brisbane at Mt Smart Stadium.
The 27-year-old had a knee reconstruction after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee in the club’s preseason trial against Newcastle on February 15.
Two months ago team doctor John Mayhew indicated McKinnon was recovering well and was expected to be able to play before the end of this 2008 campaign.
That came to fruition today when coach Ivan Cleary named him in the No 1 jersey to take on Brisbane in his first game of the season and the 100th of his career.
“It’s a tribute to Wade and our medical staff that he’s in a position to come back into the side now,” he said.
“He’s done everything required of him and we’re pleased he’s made it back for what is another really important game for us against one of the competition’s best sides.
“At the same time, we’ve been thrilled with the job Lance (Hohaia) has done taking on the fullback’s job until now. He’s been our fix it man.”
McKinnon said he’s excited he’s able to play some NRL football in 2008.
“I really appreciate the work the medical guys have done and I can’t wait to get back into it,” he said.
“It’s been difficult at times working my way back from the operation but everyone has been helping me.
“It’s a huge game for us as a club taking on the Broncos. It always is when you play them and I’m really looking forward to being out there with the boys again.”
This will be his 23rd appearance for the Vodafone Warriors after 26 matches for South Sydney in 2002-03 and 51 games for Parramatta in 2004-06.
With McKinnon returning, Hohaia moves to the interchange bench while Michael Witt is also recalled. After playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup, Witt has been brought back at standoff with Nathan Fien taking over at halfback from Grant Rovelli.
Cleary has also made some other changes. Malo Solomona is back on the right wing for Aidan Kirk – who’s out of contention with a hamstring injury – while Jerome Ropati starts at left centre ahead of Sonny Fai. Epalahame Lauaki, who has also been with the Vulcans for the last few weeks, takes Evarn Tuimavave’s spot on the bench.
Off-season signing Brent Tate will play against his old club for the first time.
This is the second season running that the Vodafone Warriors have played the Broncos just once (both times in Auckland).
When the two teams met in round two last year, the Vodafone Warriors beat the then defending premiers 24-14 while Brisbane won both encounters between the two sides in 2006.
1. Wade McKinnon
2. Malo Solomona
3. Brent Tate
4. Jerome Ropati
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Michael Witt
7. Nathan Fien
8. Ruben Wiki (vc)
9. Ian Henderson
10. Steve Price (c)
11. Simon Mannering
12. Logan Swann
13. Micheal Luck
Interchange:
14. Lance Hohaia
15. Ben Matulino
16. Epalahame Lauaki
17. Steve Rapira
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