Winger Manu Vatuvei has flown with the New Zealand Warriors across the Tasman, with the club saying the target is for him to return to NRL action next week against Newcastle.

Vatuvei was among six players on the flight who were not named in the Warriors' 17 to play Gold Coast on Sunday at Skilled Park.

The others are travelling as cover for five teammates in the Kiwi squad for Friday night's Anzac Test against the Kangaroos at the Titans' home ground.

After playing Gold Coast, the Warriors will stay on in Australia to prepare for their away match against Newcastle.

Vatuvei, who has 19 Kiwi caps and is the leading tryscorer in the Warriors' history, has been sidelined with a knee injury since the season-opening loss to Parramatta.

Coach Ivan Cleary had previously flagged the prospect of Vatuvei being in the travelling squad to Queensland, saying his presence would have a positive effect on the rest of the team.

The Warriors are unchanged for their match against the Titans, and their 17 includes skipper Simon Mannering, fellow centre Lewis Brown, fullback Lance Hohaia and forwards Sam Rapira and Ben Matulino, all of whom are in the Kiwis' Anzac test squad.

Those providing cover are centre Joel Moon, winger Bill Tupou, halfback Shaun Johnson, second rower Sione Lousi and prop Jeremy Latimore.

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