Foran on Warriors' bench in NRL return

Mar 21, 2017 - 5:08 AM New signing Kieran Foran will resume his NRL career from an extended Warriors bench in Sunday's round-four match against St George Illawarra in Sydney.

The former New Zealand Test five-eighth was cleared by the NRL to play for the Warriors last week against Canterbury in Dunedin, but his return was delayed by a long-term shoulder injury.

Foran, 26, left Parramatta midway through last season to address personal issues, before linking up in September with the Warriors.

He has not taken to the field since leading the Eels out and suffering a torn bicep tendon on May 30 in their 20-18 win over Newcastle.

Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who missed last week's 24-12 loss to the Bulldogs after a head knock the week before, returns to Sunday's run-on team.

Tuimoala Lolohea moves back to the right wing where he started the season, while Ken Maumalo switches back to the left wing to replace veteran Manu Vatuvei, forced off last week with knee trouble.

Former Warriors skipper Simon Mannering will claim the club record on Sunday for most NRL appearances, playing his 262nd game.

In his 13th NRL campaign, the 30-year-old Mannering overtakes Stacey Jones.

Mannering made his debut alongside Jones in 2005 against Brisbane at Mount Smart Stadium, and has gone on to forge a reputation as one the game's most-consistent performers.

Foran's ex-Manly teammate Ligi Sao is also in the extended squad after a strong return from a long injury layoff.

The Warriors have one win and two losses in their first three matches while the Dragons have two victories and one defeat.

St George Illawarra have a 19-5 win-loss advantage over the Warriors going back to 1999.

WARRIORS:

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tuimoala Lolohea, David Fusitu'a, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Mafoa'aeata Hingano, Shaun Johnson, Albert Vete, Issac Luke, Jacob Lillyman, Bodene Thompson, Ryan Hoffman, Simon Mannering.

Res: Erin Clark, Charlie Gubb, Sam Lisone, Bunty Afoa, James Gavet Ligi Sao, Blake Ayshford, Kieran Foran.

Source: AAP