An electrical storm in Denver has grounded the New Zealand national team after their historic Denver Test match against England, putting several Test stars in doubt for club duty this weekend.
With NRL clubs already opposed to the scheduling around Saturday's clash – won 36-18 by England – the Kiwis flight out of Colorado was cancelled due to inclement weather on Monday afternoon (AEST).
While Dragons stars James Graham and Gareth Widdop were able to leave the US as scheduled on an earlier flight with their English teammates, the short turnaround to Thursday's clash with Parramatta had coach Paul McGregor already considering resting the pair.
England avoided the travel delay by flying out of Denver on game day, with Australian-based players including the St. George Illawarra pair, South Sydney's Burgess brothers Sam and Tom and Canberra back-rower Elliott Whitehead all touching down on Monday morning.
New Zealand Test rookie Leeson Ah Mau would have to also been at long odds to play given there is currently no confirmed arrival time for the Kiwi side.
It's understood the team will arrive back in Australia sometime on Wednesday with flights still to be confirmed due to ongoing weather issues in the States.
The Warriors are also expecting to be without Issac Luke, Ken Maumalo and Peta Hiku for Friday's clash with Cronulla.
With big names Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris sitting out the long haul trip for the Test, the Warriors had originally planned to rest their Kiwi trio.
Recent injuries to Solomone Kata and David Fusitu'a had coach Stephen Kearney reconsidering those plans, however, the extra days delay for their New Zealand players return will likely keep them sidelined for the home game against the Sharks.
Friday's other game sees the Roosters hosting Melbourne in Adelaide, with Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona effected by the travel delay and counterpart Jared Waerea-Hargreaves unlikely to be risked by Trent Robinson.
It remains to be seen if Roosters teammate Isaac Liu, who was 18th man for the Kiwis, lines up for the Tricolours.
