NZ Warriors pair Euan Aitken and Chanel Harris-Tavita have taken another step towards a return from against Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
Both players have been named to an extended bench, as they work their way back to full fitness from extended absences.
Harris-Tavita has missed six weeks of action, after undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his foot, while Aitken hasn't played for his new club since the opening round win over Gold Coast Titans due to an ankle injury.
In the only change to the starting side, Eliesa Katoa makes his return to first-grade to replace Ben Murdoch-Masila, who has been sidelined due to a head knock suffered during Sunday's 24-20 win over North Queensland Cowboys.
The 21-year-old hasn't featured since the round-five loss to the Sea Eagles, but has impressed during his outings with feeder club Redcliffe.
Last week's debutant wing Edward Kosi has again been selected to the right edge, while fellow newcomer Rocco Berry celebrates the inking of his new deal with the club by a return to start in the centres.
Kosi starts in place of David Fusitu'a, who was a late scratch from last week's starting line-up.
According to reports from across the Tasman, the Tonga wing has been struggling with some personal issues that he's currently working through with the club and may be out of action for the foreseeable future.
With eight rounds completed – essentially, a third of the season – the Warriors sit seventh on the NRL ladder, with a four win-four loss record.
The 10th-placed Sea Eagles are coming off a 28-16 defeat to Penrith Panthers on Saturday.
Join us at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles NRL clash
