LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Centre Rocco Berry's return to the NZ Warriors lineup has been cut short after being ruled out of the round four NRL match against the Wests Tigers due to a minor hamstring injury.
This setback comes after Berry had fought his way back from a season-ending shoulder injury last year.
As a result, Adam Pompey will move back into the centres for his 98th career appearance, with Edward Kosi coming in on the left wing for his 33rd first-grade game.
Veteran front rower Bunty Afoa will take the vacant spot on the bench left by Dylan Walker.
Halfback Te Maire Martin and hooker Sam Healey have been retained as the 18th and 19th men, respectively.
Pompey and loose forward Erin Clark are both closing in on significant game milestones, with Pompey set to reach 100 games soon and Clark gearing up for his 100th match against the Storm in round six.
The unexpected injury setback for Berry has disrupted his comeback plans, but the team is adapting by reshuffling the lineup to fill his absence.
The last-minute changes highlight the depth of the squad and the flexibility of the players to adjust to unforeseen circumstances.
Despite the setback, the team remains focused on the upcoming match against the Wests Tigers and is determined to put in a strong performance.
The inclusion of experienced players like Pompey and Afoa will provide stability and leadership on the field, while younger players like Kosi will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the team's success.
The news of Berry's injury serves as a reminder of the physical demands of professional rugby league and the importance of player health and fitness.
The team will continue to monitor Berry's recovery and work towards his eventual return to the lineup.
In the meantime, the Warriors are confident in their ability to overcome this setback and compete at a high level in the upcoming match.