The New Zealand Warriors have announced that fullback Taine Tuaupiki is set to be sidelined for up to two weeks due to a foot sprain he acquired during the club's 18-6 defeat against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Tuaupiki exited the match in the 25th minute and was substituted by Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, whose presence may have influenced the Warriors' loss at Accor Stadium on Saturday.
Nicoll-Klokstad has been designated to start at fullback this weekend and is likely to retain that position against Penrith the following week.
The dynamo, with 41 games under his belt, was in the process of returning an attacking kick from his in-goal when an awkward landing from a tackling attempt led to his injury.
He swiftly departed the field in pain and was seen later on the sidelines wearing a moon boot during the second half.
The Bulldogs showed determination in their match against the Warriors, spurred on by the return of captain Stephen Crichton, who played shortly after celebrating the birth of his child earlier that day.
This victory keeps the Bulldogs' hopes alive, as they seek to capitalize on Manly's recent poor form to make a late-season push for September action.
On the other hand, the Warriors have dropped to third place, now trailing the Panthers by four points in their quest for the minor premiership.
With the Cronulla Sharks closing in, the Warriors must return to the impressive form that has kept them near the top of the ladder for most of 2026.