Three Melbourne Storm players will have an ideal opportunity to push their case for a starting centre spot in Round 1 when their team takes on the Warriors in Christchurch.
With centre Justin Olam set to spend six weeks on the sideline due to a broken arm suffered against the Sydney Roosters last week, an opportunity has arisen for the No.4 position.
Young Tonumaipea has been named as Olam’s replacement for Sunday’s clash, but Dean Ieremia and Grant Anderson could also come into contention to start on the field come the regular season with strong showings against New Zealand.
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In announcing their team to face the Storm, the Warriors said their starting line-up had been “significantly remodelled” from the combination used against the Tigers in the first week of the trials.
Te Maire Martin won’t play after remaining in Auckland to be with his partner after the birth of their first child, with rookie Ronald Volkman taking his spot. Viliami Vailea replaces Adam Pompey.
The match gets underway at 12.50pm (AEDT) from Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch. Watch it live on Fox League (Channel 501).
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