Kodi Nikorima will wear the No.6 jersey for his Warriors debut against the St George Dragons.
The Kiwis international was signed to a lucrative two and a half year deal last week after falling out with Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Seibold.
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Nikorima will partner Blake Green in the halves for the 'Magic Round' clash, where every club will be playing on Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
The 25-year-old has an intimate knowledge of the famed ground, having played almost 50 of his 89 NRL games at the venue.
While Nikorima is the notable addition to the starting line-up, Kearney has made another significant selection by bringing in Nathaniel Roache as the starting hooker with Issac Luke moved to the extended bench in jersey No.22.
In line to fill the back-up dummy half role is Karl Lawton, who is recalled after making his one appearance so far this season against Gold Coast in round four.
The club’s most experienced player Adam Blair [297 appearances] will miss the trip to Brisbane for the ninth-round fixture after an early guilty plea was entered on the dangerous throw charge he faced from Sunday’s loss against Newcastle.
Right wing David Fusitu’a is again included in the hope he will return from the rib injury which has ruled him out of the last two matches while utility Jazz Tevaga and prop Bunty Afoa are in line to return from leg injuries.
Named for his second outing this season is forward Ligi Sao, who is named in the 17.
Newshub.
