The Warriors and Gold Coast won’t have another chance to match-test their combinations before the NRL season after Monday’s trial was abandoned due to South-East Queensland’s extreme weather.
Initially meant to be played in Redcliffe on Saturday night, torrential rain resulted in the pre-season hit-out being rescheduled and moved to Robina’s Cbus Super Stadium.
Roads to the venue are reportedly blocked because of Queensland’s flood emergency.
Round one doesn’t begin until March 10 but the Warriors confirmed the trial won’t be moved to another date.
It means halfback Shaun Johnson won’t make his anticipated NRL return for the New Zealand club until they officially get their campaign underway against St George Illawarra.
Johnson was listed to partner Kodi Nikorima in the halves in the practice game, suggesting that coach Nathan Brown will overlook playmaking recruit Ash Taylor for round one.
Brown has indicated that Chanel Harris-Tavita will deputise for Reece Walsh at fullback as the youngster serves a two-match suspension.
While the Warriors played most of their big guns in a 30-18 win over Melbourne last weekend, several Titans stars may go into their season-opening clash with Parramatta short of a gallop.
The likes of captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, five-eighth AJ Brimson, second-rower David Fifita, prop Moeaki Fotuaika and centre Brian Kelly didn’t feature in a 26-all trial draw with Brisbane but were set to face the Warriors.
Fa’asuamaleaui has insisted he is fine despite a niggling knee injury while Fifita was cleared of any lasting rib damage after copping a hit playing for the Indigenous All Stars earlier in February.
© AAP 2022
