Warriors' Matulino closer to NRL comeback
Apr 18, 2017 - 6:42 AM Prop Ben Matulino's comeback has moved a step closer with his inclusion in an extended 21-man squad for the Warriors' traditional Anzac Day NRL clash against the Storm in Melbourne.Coach Stephen Kearney has included 28-year-old Matulino among his eight interchange contenders.
Matulino, four games short of becoming the club's fourth 200-game player, has been sidelined after knee surgery.
"Ben's getting closer," Kearney said.
"He has been making good progress since returning to full training and should be ready to play soon."
When he does make his comeback, Matulino will join the handful of players who have appeared across 10 NRL seasons for the Warriors: Stacey Jones, Awen Guttenbeil, Lance Hohaia, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Simon Mannering and Sam Rapira.
Matulino's inclusion is the only change from the 21-man squad initially named for last Saturday's loss to Canberra.
Next Tuesday's encounter will be the eighth Anzac Day match between the Storm and the Warriors since the fixture was first introduced in 2009.
The match finished in a 14-14 draw after golden point extra time with Warriors assistant coach Stacey Jones on the field that day.
Of this year's squad, veteran back rower Simon Mannering, front rowers Jacob Lillyman, Matulino and winger Manu Vatuvei played for the Warriors while Ryan Hoffman was in the Storm's line-up.
Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (captain), Blake Ayshford, David Fusitu'a, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Kieran Foran, Shaun Johnson, James Gavet, Issac Luke, Jacob Lillyman, Bodene Thompson, Ryan Hoffman, Simon Mannering. Interchange: Nathaniel Roache, Charlie Gubb, Ligi Sao, Sam Lisone, Ben Matulino, Bunty Afoa, Mafoa'aeata Hingano, Mason Lino.
Source: AAP
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