Meli back for game against
Rabbitohs

International winger Francis Meli, recently re-signed by the Vodafone Warriors until the end of the 2006 season, has been called back into the starting side for this weekend?s match-up with the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Ericsson Stadium.

Meli had been out through suspension for five weeks for his part in a dangerous throw tackle against the Canberra Raiders in round 13, and has been joined in the run-on side by fellow Kiwi winger Henry Fa?afili.

The recall of both Meli and Fa?afili sees utility back Jerome Ropati move to five-eighth, and Lance Hohaia revert to the interchange bench. The forward pack remains the same as that named against the Sharks last week. Head Coach Tony Kemp has named a six man fresh reserve bench that will be reduced to the four allowed closer to kick-off on game day.

The team for this Sunday?s game against the Rabbitohs at Ericsson Stadium, kicking off at 2pm (NZ time) is:

1. Brent Webb 2. Henry Fa?afili 3. Tony Martin 4. Clinton Toopi 5. Francis Meli 6. Jerome Ropati 7. Stacey Jones 8. Iafeta Paleaaesina 9. Monty Betham (c) 10. Richard Villasanti 11. Sione Faumuina 12. Awen Guttenbeil 13. Vinnie Anderson

15. Evarn Tuimavave 16. Epalahame Lauaki 17. Wairangi Koopu 18. Lance Hohaia 20. Louis Anderson 21. Karl Temata

In other club news, experienced and well respected Rugby League figure John Ackland has been appointed to the role of Development & Welfare Manager with the Warriors and will officially commence in the role on August 9.

Meanwhile current Kiwi International and Warriors? utility player, Sione Faumuina, has come to terms with the club on an extension to his existing contract, which will see him remain with the club until at least the end of the 2007 season.