THE HUNTER Wildfires will be without powerhouse centres Luke Nadurutalo and Nafi Tuitavake for extended periods but coach Scott Coleman is confident he has suitable cover.
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Nadurutalo (knee) and Tuitavake (ankle) limped off within five minutes of each other in the Wildfires 28-8 win over West Harbour at home on Saturday.
Scans will reveal the extent of the injuries but both face at least a month on the sideline.
"It's a big blow. They have been our go-to men in the middle of the park," Coleman said. "Luke in particular has been able to punch though and get us on the front foot. It is an opportunity for someone else to step up "
Coleman is still tossing up between five players - Adrian Delore, Tute Grant, Tom Watson, Will Feeney, Penikolo Latu - to fill the two positions for Saturday's trip to Coogee Oval to take on Randwick.
"Tute Grant can switch from fullback to 12," Coleman said. "Tom Watson could slide into 13 from the wing. Will Feeney has spent a lot of time in the centres. Penikolo prefers to play in the centres. Adrian Delore could come up from seconds. There are a lot of options."
The Wildfires will also be without prop Ruan Smith, who has been recalled to NSW Waratahs to cover for Harry Johnson Holmes, who injured the medial ligament in his knee in the 24-21 triumph over the Crusaders.
Smith played off the bench for the Wildfires against West Harbour. His absence will put pressure on starting tighthead Nick Dobson to play more minutes.
"Dobbo has been enormous for us," Coleman said.
Lock Ben Wood (illness) was a late withdrawal against West Harbour. Travis Gifford started.
Ngharue Jones, a regular last season, is in contention for his first start after missing the start to the season.
"There is a bit of pressure coming from reserve grade," Coleman said. "Ngarhue is close to fully fit now and putting a bit of heat on. Morgan Innes was strong off the bench. He is out of the Canterbury system and played in Scotland."