Tuivasa-Sheck out of Bulldogs NRL tussle

Mar 15, 2017 - 4:08 AM Warriors NRL skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has failed to overcome a concussion sustained against Melbourne last week and will not play against Canterbury in Dunedin on Friday.

The 23-year-old received a head knock late in the first half of the Warriors' 26-10 loss in Auckland and didn't reappear in the second stanza.

He was expected to recover in time for Friday's away match in Otago, but has not passed the NRL's concussion protocols and will remain on the sidelines.

Former captain Ryan Hoffman will again lead the side in Tuivasa-Sheck's absence, while Tui Lolohea will slot in at fullback.

Lolohea, 22, had been named on the Warriors' eight-man extended bench but will now play from the first minute.

"Ryan is a natural choice - he's one of our leaders and is well-versed in the demands of the role," coach Stephen Kearney said.

Young playmaker Mason Lino has also been omitted from the travelling party, which will arrive in Dunedin on Wednesday evening.

Having gone toe-to-toe with the Storm for much of the first half last week, the Warriors struggled to cut through without Tuivasa-Sheck's offensive thrust in the second 40 and were kept scoreless.

Lolohea, who has played and trained on the wing for most of 2017, will now need to replicate Tuivasa-Sheck's form while marshalling from deep.

Other than now-eligible absentee Kieran Foran, Tuivasa-Sheck will be the only senior Warrior unavailable for the Bulldogs clash.

Source: AAP