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Crockett, Michael |
  Michael CROCKETT [Player Stats] + Submit additional information or a correction to this player 
Fien in halves, Crockett back for Warriors against Knights Tue May 27, 2008 by Matthew O'Neill Source: www.warriors.co.nz Hooker Nathan Fien will start at standoff and Michael Crockett is back on the wing for the Vodafone Warriors' 12th round NRL clash against Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Saturday night. With Micheal Witt still troubled by a hip flexor problem, coach Ivan Cleary has moved Fien (28) out of his regular dummy half role to run in the No 6 jersey in his 171st NRL appearance. That means Jerome Ropati (24) reverts to the centres after filling the standoff's spot in the last two matches against Penrith and the Sydney Roosters. The 25-year-old Crockett missed last Sunday's outing but returns after scoring three tries for the Auckland Vulcans in last Friday night's New South Wales Cup encounter with Manly. "We still see Jerome as an option at No 6 but he has missed a lot of football through injury recently and is working back to full match fitness," said Cleary. "Nathan has a background in the halves and he'll be able to help us in that role this weekend. At the same time, Ian Henderson has been in really good form and deserves the chance to start at hooker." The backline changes see Simon Mannering back in his preferred spot in the second row after being used in the centres against the Roosters. He'll have 20-year-old Sonny Fai as his starting partner this week with Epalahame Lauaki swapping roles to come off the bench. Regular winger Patrick Ah Van is set to turn out for the Vodafone Junior Warriors in their NYC under-20 clash against the Knights on Saturday night while Manu Vatuvei (leg), Wade McKinnon (knee), Malo Solomona (leg) and Witt were not considered due to injury. Veteran prop Ruben Wiki will make his return from injury with the Auckland Vulcans in their New South Wales Cup match against the Western Suburbs Magpies on Mt Smart Stadium's No 2 ground on Saturday. Also joining him will be back rower Wairangi Koopu, centre Ryan Shortland and prop Herman Retzlaff. "With Steve (Price) back and Russell (Packer) on the way up, we have a lot of choices at prop at the moment," said Cleary. "Ruben has had a couple of niggles. We want him in peak form and he'll be back in the NRL side soon if he does that." Ben Matulino (19), who has been impressive for the Vodafone Junior Warriors, has been named as 18th man for the trip to Newcastle. New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights Energyaustralia Stadium, Newcastle Saturday, May 31 7:30pm Warriors (NRL): 1 Lance Hohaia 2 Michael Crockett 3 Brent Tate 4 Jerome Ropati 5 Aidan Kirk 6 Nathan Fien 7 Grant Rovelli 8 Sam Rapira 9 Ian Henderson 10 Steve Price (c) 11 Simon Mannering 12 Sonny Fai 13 Micheal Luck Subs: 15 Evarn Tuimavave 16 Epalahame Lauaki 17 Logan Swann 18 Russell Packer 18th Man: Ben Matulino Coach: Ivan Cleary News Source: www.warriors.co.nz Warriors recalled Koopu, Crockett and Shortland Tue April 22, 2008 Source: www.warriors.co.nz Veteran back rower Wairangi Koopu, winger Michael Crockett and centre Ryan Shortland have all been recalled for the Vodafone Warriors' seventh-round NRL clash against competition leaders the Gold Coast Titans at Skilled Park in Robina on Sunday. Shortland (22) made way for experienced Jerome Ropati's return against North Queensland last Saturday night but he comes straight back into the side for his third match this year with Ropati sidelined again with a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old Crockett, who scored seven tries in 14 NRL appearances last year, is set to play his first match of the year for the Vodafone Warriors after scoring five tries in six games for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup. He comes in for 20-year-old Patrick Ah Van who left the field in Townsville on Saturday night after taking a heavy knock. And Koopu (28), used against Manly on March 31 in his only previous NRL match this year, comes onto the bench for 20-year-old Sonny Fai. "Sonny's going to play for the Vodafone Junior Warriors this weekend," said coach Ivan Cleary. "He's had a good introduction to the NRL with five matches on end but he needs a lot more time on the field. He'll get that with the under-20s and he'll be back soon. "It's a blow that Jerome's been injured again but we've seen what Ryan can do so it's a comfort being able to call on him. "Patrick's not quite right and that gives Michael a shot. He's been working for it in the New South Wales Cup and again we're able to bring in a player with some experience and one who also has a good try-scoring record." The Vodafone Warriors will this Sunday seek their first away win of the year after a run of decisive losses to 2007's top three-placed sides at the end of the regular season - Melbourne, Manly and North Queensland. Now they face a Gold Coast side that has won each of its first four matches at its new ground to help it to the outright lead in the competition. "Obviously our away form is a concern for us," said Cleary. "We've had three very good wins at home but we haven't really caused our opponents much trouble on the road. That has to change." The Vodafone Warriors beat the Titans 22-6 at Gold Coast Stadium last June. NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v GOLD COAST TITANS Skilled Park, Robina Sunday, April 27, 2008 2.00pm (AEST), 4:00pm (NZ) Warriors (NRL): 1 Lance Hohaia 2 Michael Crockett 3 Brent Tate 4 Ryan Shortland 5 Manu Vatuvei 6 Michael Witt 7 Grant Rovelli 8 Sam Rapira 9 Nathan Fien 10 Ruben Wiki (c) 11 Simon Mannering 12 Logan Swann 13 Micheal Luck Subs: 14 Ian Henderson 15 Evarn Tuimavave 16 Epalahame Lauaki 17 Wairangi Koopu Coach: Ivan Cleary News sent by: www.warriors.co.nz
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