NZ Warriors have promoted rookie Eliesa Katoa to the starting line-up for Saturday's round two clash against the Canberra Raiders.
Katoa impressed in his NRL debut against the Knights last weekend, recording the most metres of any of the Warriors forwards in the 20-10 loss (144m from 17 carries), as well as the most post-contact metres (50).
His selection moves Adam Blair to the back of the scrum, while Isaiah Papali'i takes a place on the interchange bench.
With centre Peta Hiku and winger Patrick Herbert returning home on compassionate grounds, utility Adam Keighran has been named as Hiku's replacement, with Adam Pompey coming onto the right wing to partner David Fusitu'a.
The only other change is on the extended bench, where Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard comes in for the injured Taane Milne.
The Warriors have been based on the Gold Coast this week to avoid entering the 14-day self-isolation in New Zealand, ensuring the NRL season can continue as scheduled.
As a result of that decision to stay in Australia, Saturday's game was relocated from Eden Park, where it was part of a cross-code doubleheader with the Blues, to the Gold Coast Titans' Cbus Super Stadium and will be played with no crowd.
Warriors: 1-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2-Adam Pompey, 3-David Fusitu'a, 4-Adam Keighran, 5-Ken Maumalo, 6-Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7-Blake Green, 8-Leeson Ah Mau, 9-Wayde Egan, 10-Lachlan Burr, 11-Eliesa Katoa, 12-Tohu Harris, 13-Adam Blair
Interchange: 14- Kodi Nikorima, 15-Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 16-Isaiah Papali'i, 17-Karl Lawton, 18-King Vuniyayawa, 20-Hayze Perham, 21-Leivaha Pulu, 22-Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard
Join us for live updates of the Warriors v Raiders NRL clash from 5pm Saturday
