NZ Warriors could be forced to hand rookie teenager Reece Walsh a debut, after a spate of backline injuries in the current NRL season.
Despite Sunday's 20-14 win over St George-Illawarra Dragons, the Warriors casualty ward continues to grow.
The Kiwi side lost centre Peta Hiku to a dislocated shoulder just minutes into his return, after two weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury, while utility back Adam Pompey limped from the field in the dying moments with an ankle issue.
Paul Turner has also joined the group of players heading for further scans, as injury concerns threaten to turn to crisis.
The pair join David Fusitu'a (hamstring), Euan Aitken (shoulder) and Chanel Harris-Tavita (foot) on the sidelines for the Warriors, heading into Sunday's ANZAC clash with Melbourne Storm.
But the injuries could prove to be a blessing in disguise for 18-year-old Walsh, who joined the Warriors from the Broncos earlier this month and is seen as the heir to captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, as he prepares to return to rugby union next season.
Rocco Berry or Viliami Vailea could debut, while Hayze Perham stands as the most senior of the potential replacements.
"We've got some young ones that have been knocking on the door for a while," Brown says. "Rocco Berry, young Reece Walsh has only been training for a week, and a few other younger ones, some of the development guys who are in the Q-Cup.
"We won't come out and say too much at the minute, but we'll certainly have to look at some options. We've got a few things to do with the team.
"We have some young blokes there, who need to play footy to get good. They are talented young players, but they are only going to get better by playing."
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