Russell Packer plans to 'just do my job'

THE DOMINION POST

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Russell Packer in action for the Warriors.

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Warriors prop Russell Packer is not likely to take anybody by surprise this season in the National Rugby League, but that doesn't bother him.

Foxton's top sporting export was one of the finds of the season for the Warriors last year and impressed in his first full year in the NRL, after debuting in late 2008.

An injury to Steve Price has opened the door for Packer to start against the Gold Coast Titans in Queensland tomorrow and he is not worried about the scouting that opposition sides have done on him.

"It doesn't bother me what anyone else thinks," he said. "I'll just go out there and play the best I can.

"Pricey's out this week, which is a lot of experience. I'll just try and take the opportunity, play the best I can and do my job."

The Warriors are also without new captain Simon Mannering and will be led by Micheal Luck, with some of the pre-match talk surrounding what jerseys the teams will wear.

The afternoon Queensland sun is likely to play a part in the game, which kicks off at 1pm local time. The Titans have opted to play in their away strip of white, forcing the Warriors into their black jerseys, which attract more heat.

Such things do not bother former Manawatu College student Packer.

"Everyone knows it's going to be hot," he said. "Everyone's playing on the same field. At the end of the day it's just a jersey. We've got to get out there and just play.

"If you play good enough, the heat won't matter."

Packer spent the off-season trying to work on his fitness.

Last season was a disaster for the Warriors after they were tipped to be title contenders and finished 14th, with comeback king Stacey Jones failing to fire.

They have recruited Australian Brett Seymour, who has a history of off-field issues, to fill the vacant halfback position and Packer said they were ready to perform.

"There's been quite a big turnover of players and quite a few new guys coming in in crucial positions," he said. "Everyone's looking forward to putting last year in the back of their minds.

"We are a new team and we are trying to show that on the field."

Former Warrior Clinton Toopi missed the opportunity to play against his old club when he did not make the match-day squad for the Titans.

Toopi has returned to league this season after a stint playing rugby.

Kick-off tomorrow is 4pm (NZ time).

Warriors: Lance Hohaia, Kevin Locke, Brent Tate, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Sam Rapira, Aaron Heremaia, Russell Packer, Lewis Brown, Ben Matulino, Michael Luck (capt). Interchange (from): Wade McKinnon, Jeremy Latimore, Jesse Royal, Sione Lousi, Joel Moon.

Gold Coast: Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Joseph Tomane, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Brad Meyers, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange (from): Matthew White, Sam Tagataese, Will Matthews, Riley Brown, Michael Henderson, William Zillman, Bodene Thompson.

- © Fairfax NZ News