New Zealand skipperย Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is battling an ankle injury and remains doubtful to lineup for the Warriors this Saturday when they take on the Sea Eagles at AAMI Stadium.
The 25-year old sustained the injury during the club's 30-10 loss to South Sydney, which caused him to be on light duties at training today.
Originally thought to be nothing serious, the fullback has been proppy since hurting his ankle and nowย utility Peta Hiku shapes as his replacement if he can't get up for the Manly clash.
Warriors coachย Stephen Kearney said the prognosis did not look good for his captain.
"[Tuivasa-Sheck] had a run today and didn't look so good so we just have to wait and see how he pulls up over the next little bit," Kearney toldย nzherald.co.nz.
"We'll try and give him as long as we can but it didn't look real good for him today. But we'll see he could pull up better tomorrow."
In better news, halfback Shaun Johnson is set to return to the side this weekend after missing a month with his own ankle injury.
"I'm pumped to be back," Johnson told nzherald.co.nz.
"It's all good. I obviously got through enough sessions now to feel more than confident to take the field. The club has been good in not pressuring me in that sense and putting our bodies first.
"Hopefully I can get out there and show it was worth it."
Having filled Tuivasa-Sheck's role during the club's 24-14 win over the Eels in round 11, Hiku is bullish about his prospects of backing up another strong performance at No. 1.
"It's not too bad. I don't mind doing it. Fullback, I've done it before," Hiku told nzherald.co.nz.
"Fullback is the reason I wanted to play the game. Just growing up I enjoyed playing it when I was younger with it being free roaming role and you're always in the game.
"I do enjoy the position and last time I played there it was good and if I was to do it again I know I would enjoy it again."
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