Warriors

Jerome Ropati, Krisnan Inu and Ukuma Ta'ai have all been named in a 19-man squad for the Warriors' final trial against the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles at Toll Stadium in Whangarei on Saturday.

Last week Manu Vatuvei scored the match-winner for the NRL Stars and he stepped up again tonight with a critical two-try haul to power the New Zealand Warriors to a 22-14 NRL trial win over South Sydney at Coffs Harbour.

With three weeks before the start of the season the Warriors have suffered an injury setback, with Micheal Luck requiring more surgery on his wrist.

Warriors prop Jacob Lillyman will have surgery on his damaged right biceps tomorrow.

Manu Vatuvei has emerged as a surprise option to fill the troublesome centre spot at the Warriors this season and will be given time there in Saturday's pre-season game against South Sydney at Coffs Harbour.

Most of the Warriors' 2011 grand final players plus new signing Nathan Friend will line up for the club's first 2012 NRL preseason trial against the Gold Coast Titans at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

Warriors star Kevin Locke has pleaded guilty to two driving offences and has failed to keep his name secret.

The Warriors returned to the grand final, the Kiwis battled and one of the greats of the game bowed out. Jack Salter looks back on the year in rugby league.

Two Sunday afternoon games, two Saturday night encounters and a rare Monday night match are on the menu in the Warriors' first five matches of the 2012 NRL season.

Shaun Johnson, the Warriors' 2011 young NRL player of the year, has re-signed with the club until at least the end of the 2014 season.