Warriors Axe Six Players To Reserve Grade

The struggling Warriors have axed six first grade regulars to the NSW Cup for failing to meet team standards in the wake of Monday's loss to Melbourne.

Gone from the team named by coach Andrew McFadden to face the Dragons on Sunday are veteran players Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino and Bodene Thompson, while Albert Vete, Konrad Hurrell and Sam Lisone are also excluded.

The 3-5 Warriors are coming off an embarrassing 42-0 loss at the hands of the Storm on ANZAC Day and have already lost key players Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Simon Mannering and Tuimoala Lolohea to injury.

"We've dealt with this internally after questioning the players involved and won't be going into any details," McFadden said.

The changes have opened the way for 21-year-old prop Toafofoa Sipley to make his NRL debut against the Dragons while Sione Lousi, John Palavi and Matt Allwood have earned NRL recalls.

McFadden said he wouldn't confirm his starting line-up and interchange until an hour before the match.

Warriors squad to face the Dragons:
Matt Allwood
Blake Ayshford
David Fusitu'a
James Gavet
Charlie Gubb
Ryan Hoffman (c)
Shaun Johnson
Solomone Kata
Shaun Lane
Thomas Leuluai
Jacob Lillyman
Sione Lousi
Issac Luke
John Palavi
Toafofoa Sipley
Jazz Tevaga
Jonathan Wright

NZ Herald