Injury report encouraging ahead of Perth trip

Winger Manu Vatuvei is rated a certainty while the outlook is hopeful for both captain Simon Mannering and centre Konrad Hurrell for the Vodafone Warriors’ 21st-round clash against Manly at Patersons Stadium in Perth next Saturday (5.30pm kick-off local time).

Only interchange forward Steve Rapira is definitely unavailable for the trip after he was forced to pull out of Saturday night’s encounter with Newcastle after picking up a hamstring injury late in the team’s pre-match warm-up just minutes before kick-off.

Rapira was hurriedly replaced by 18th man Sam Lousi, who became Vodafone Warrior No 175 when he took the field in the 72nd minute.

Vatuvei was withdrawn from the Newcastle game after tweaking a hamstring late in last week’s loss to Brisbane. Vodafone Warriors doctor John Mayhew said the 26-year-old winger is all set to make his return against the Sea Eagles as he continues his quest to become the first player in the club’s history to score 100 NRL tries. His career tally sits on 98 after eight tries in 14 matches so far this season.

Mannering was helped off the field after injuring his right ankle in the dying stages of last night’s match but fears of a serious setback were later allayed. The ultra-reliable leader is rated a chance to recover for the Manly contest.

Likewise Hurrell who returned against Newcastle after missing the Brisbane encounter with a foot injury. He appeared to be troubled by the injury at times last night but he saw out the match and it’s hoped he’ll also be cleared to take on Manly.

It’s not known how long Steve Rapira will be side-lined for.