Warriors add NRL depth for departing four

Warriors coach Todd Payten says the addition of Parramatta players Daniel Alvaro and George Jennings for the next month will add quality to his side as they prepare for the departure of some big stars.

On Monday star wingers David Fusitu’a and Ken Maumalo, along with Agnatius Paasi and King Vuniyayawa, will return to their families in New Zealand after an extended stay in Australia.

The athletic wide men are among the Warriors’ best each week and Payten says the team will need to quickly embrace the arriving Alvaro and Jennings to ensure their defence does not suffer.

“I’ve spoken to them and their CEO and they’re super excited,” Payten said.

“There’s some quality there too which will help.

“They will need to learn pretty quickly – in four or five days – to learn our calls and understand our structures a little bit, and to find themselves within the group.

“That’s another challenge for them and us and we’ll tackle that (on Monday).”

Despite the interrupted season, the Warriors have been remarkably cohesive as a group which includes loan players from rival NRL clubs.

In Saturday’s 18-10 loss to Sydney Roosters, on-loan Panthers forward Jack Hetherington was one of the Warriors’ best, taking on Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in a feisty battle up front.

“He’s settled in really well,” Payten said of the 24-year-old prop.

“We were excited to get him into the group for that very reason.

“He’s a different body shape, he offers an offload and some leg speed through the middle, and a lot of aggression.

“He doesn’t take a backwards step and some of our guys can learn that from watching him go about his business.”

Payten said the Panthers have agreed to loan Hetherington to the club for another month pending injuries.

After three consecutive losses, the Warriors are set to play the Wests Tigers on Friday night at Sydney Cricket Ground.

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