Fullback Wade McKinnon was today is out of the Vodafone Warriors' side for their NRL season-opening clash against Gold Coast at Skilled Park in Robina on Sunday.

An infection has prevented McKinnon training this week and last night he was ruled out.

Joel Moon, originally part of a five-man bench, is now a confirmed starter on the interchange bench.

The Vodafone Warriors left Auckland this morning for Brisbane with a squad of 17 players. A Vodafone Junior Warriors player will be added to the line-up ads 18th man on Sunday following their NYC match against Gold Coast.