Warriors rugby league coach Ivan Cleary still has the welcome prospect of facing round one of the NRL season with a near fully fit squad after scans on prop Sam Rapira's wrist showed there was no break.
Rapira, who complained of a sore wrist after last Saturday's 30-0 trial defeat of Queensland Cup side Burleigh, will miss the Warriors' final trial against Manly at North Harbour on Saturday.
But Cleary said he would be fit to face Parramatta in the National Rugby League season opener on March 12.
Wing Manu Vatuvei tweaked a thigh at training yesterday and is in doubt for Saturday's game but should also be fine for the Eels.
Only juniors Ivan Penehe and Shaun Johnson, on the injured list all off-season, remain sidelined.
Cleary said he would field an otherwise full-strength squad of 20 on Saturday but with what shapes as the deepest Warriors squad in years, said he still had doubts on his final lineup for round one.
"I'm probably one game away [from a decision]," Cleary smiled. "This week is important for a couple of positions and the make-up of the bench."
While Cleary's praise for Joel Moon suggests he has earned his chance as Brent Tate's right centre successor, Cleary still has questions over his halves and hooking combinations, selecting a goalkicker, and deciding who has won the three-way battle for the right wing spot between Glen Fisiaahi, Kevin Locke and Krisnan Inu.
Asked about that, Cleary said: "I've got to make [up my mind] next week, but I would be happy with any one of them, which is a pretty good position to be in. I will have a look at what happens this weekend, then go from there."
Cleary said both skipper Simon Mannering and fullback Lance Hohaia, yet to figure in pre-season because of heavy representative loads, would play and Mannering would be asked to play enough minutes to test his match fitness.
Manly too will be at full strength, naming a 24-man squad – to be cut to 22 – for the weekend which includes returning fullback Brett Stewart.
"It's about putting out our strongest team so far, them having a run together, and getting some continuity," said Cleary of this weekend's game. "We've got a lot of guys playing well and they are in good shape, and that's all you can ask for."
