Webby makes huge Warriors selection claim

New Zealand Warriors have received positive news ahead of their final regular-season match at the weekend.

Andrew Webster raised the prospect of both Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Jackson Ford being fit for week one of the NRL finals.

On Ford, Webster said: “He’s getting closer, he might be a chance for week one.”

“He has got some big boxes to tick in the coming days to be available for next week,” Webster said on Watene-Zelezniak.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has returned from his two-match suspension and is in the starting line-up to face Manly. He will feature at fullback for the Wahs, while Taine Tuaupiki drops to the interchange.

On the decision, Webster said: “I just thought we played three of our best games when Charnze was at fullback.

“He came back into the team on the wing – he nearly missed the birth of his baby at Tigers on the wing – and then he got his opportunity back at fullback, and then I thought he was outstanding.”

Tuaupiki will feel hard done by with the decision, having started the last two games at full-back.

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“Look, he’s so important to us. Once again, it’s a depth challenge, but it’s also a headache every coach wants,” Webby said about Tuaupiki.

The Warriors will be hoping to be crowned Minor Premiers this weekend, for only the second time in their history.