AAP Rugby

Watene-Zelezniak out of Warriors clash with Souths

By AAP Newswire

Apr 5, 2024

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. — Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will miss the Warriors' trip to Sydney to face the Rabbitohs. -AAP Image

Injury carnage continues to hit the Warriors ahead of Saturday's clash with South Sydney, with two more big names scratched on the eve of the contest.

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Star winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and powerful forward Marata Niukore will both miss the side's second trip to Australia for the season.

They join Kurt Capewell (concussion) and Luke Metcalf (broken leg) as outs from the side that beat Newcastle 20-12 last weekend.

Watene-Zelezniak, who's hurt his hamstring, was set to link up with returning fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and look to replicate their form on the right edge that saw them dominate in the back half of last season.

Niukore, who only played his first game of the season last weekend, is looking at two months on the sidelines with a foot injury.

Marata Niukore charges forward during the Warriors' home win over the Knights. (Andrew Cornaga/AAP PHOTOS)

It is unclear if it is related to the minor foot fracture that saw him miss the first three games of the campaign.

Versatile outside back Adam Pompey takes Watene-Zelezniak's spot on the wing, while Mitch Barnett will shift to the back row to cover Niukore.

Bunty Afoa will start at prop as a result.

Watene-Zelezniak has scored two tries in four outings this season.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press