Injury hits Rapira brothers

The Warriors are becoming like a struggling movie set at the moment – they are dangerously low on props.

With Queensland State of Origin prop already out for three months after surgery on a torn bicep, another two big men have joined him on the medical list.

Brothers Sam and Steve Rapira both picked up injuries in the Warriors' 22-14 trial victory over the Rabbitohs on Saturday.

Older sibling Sam left the field with a shoulder injury, later confirmed to be an AC joint problem that could sideline him for 4-6 weeks.

In an unwanted piece of Rapira symmetry, Steve is also likely to be out for the same time period with a high ankle sprain.

The loss of Sam is a particularly bitter one, given his worth as a strong-running metre-eater as well as a senior member who has been at the club since 2006.

Steve would have been in line to move up from the second row to fill the gaps left by Lillyman and his older brother but will now have rehabilitation to deal with.

It leaves Ben Matulino and Russell Packer as the two remaining fit props from the 2011 campaign that saw their side come up one short of a maiden premiership.

If new coach Brian McClennan chooses to play four props when the NRL season kicks off, against Manly on March 4, it could mean a new role for both Ukuma Ta'ai and Sione Lousi, the latter of whom played prop in the win over the Rabbitohs.

McClennan has one last chance to audition for the position when the Warriors take on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday in Whangarei.