A training ground injury to Konrad Hurrell looks set to open the door for youngster David Fusitu'a to return to the Warriors' NRL Telstra Premiership team for Sunday's Round 18 match against Melbourne.
Early in the Warriors' field session on Tuesday Hurrell fell awkwardly during a drill involving diving on loose balls, sustaining the injury before being escorted from training with his right arm in a sling.
The Tongan international was in obvious discomfort but was named in Andrew McFadden's 17 on Tuesday afternoon.
While the club waits on confirmation of just how serious the injury is, coach McFadden confirmed Fusitu'a was the most likely to assume the spot at right centre, with the 20-year-old named as 18th man.
Warriors squad to play Storm in Round 18:
1 Sam Tomkins
2 Tuimoala Lolohea
3 Konrad Hurrell
4 Solomone Kata
5 Manu Vatuvei
6 Chad Townsend
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Jacob Lillyman
9 Nathan Friend
10 Ben Matulino
11 Bodene Thompson
12 Ryan Hoffman
13 Simon Mannering
14 Siliva Havili
15 Raymond Faitala-Mariner
16 Charlie Gubb
17 Albert Vete
18 David Fusitu'a
"The likely replacement is probably Dave, he is playing terrific football in our NSW Cup side," McFadden said.
"He is very damaging so if Konrad wasn't to pull fit then probably David would come in.
"Still not sure yet [how serious Hurrell's injury is], hopefully it's not too bad.
"Obviously he didn't finish the session so that puts him in some doubt for this weekend, but I will get a more extensive report from our medical staff hopefully soon.
"He didn't dislocate it, I haven't really had time to debrief with the medical staff."
To date in season 2015 Fusitu'a has managed just one NRL appearance, scoring a try against the Titans in Round 8 before an injury layoff and stint in the NSW Cup.
The athletic former Junior Kiwi has been pressing for a recall for the last few weeks, with some impressive displays for the Warriors' reserve side, including scoring a hat-trick in their Round 16 win over Mounties.
Another contender for a backline spot is veteran Jonathan Wright, who penned a one year contract extension with the club on Tuesday.
Also re-signed were Albert Vete [two years], Nathaniel Roache [two years] and Marata Niukore [one year].
The club also announced the departure of standoff Chad Townsend on compassionate grounds, with the Sharks confirming his signature.
