NZ Warriors will be without centre Peta Hiku for the remainder of the NRL season.
The 28-year-old needs surgery for a shoulder injury suffered against St George Dragons in round seven and will play no further part in their 2021 campaign.
Hiku's absence further compounds the team's midfield woes, with Paul Turner also ruled out for the year and Marcelo Montoya facing more time on the sidelines, also with shoulder injuries.
The team will eagerly await centre Euan Aitken's comeback from an ankle injury to help fill that void and the Australian nears a return on an extended bench for the Warriors' 'Magic Round' clash with Parramatta Eels on Sunday.
The Warriors also welcome back blockbusting prop Ben Murdoch-Masila. The Tonga international missed last weekend's loss to the Sea Eagles with a head knock suffered against North Queensland Cowboys, but will add some much-needed starch to the pack against the red-hot Eels.
Rookie prodigy Reece Walsh will again come off the bench, with Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita anchoring the halves.
The Warriors face an Eels side that have lost just once so far this season, sitting behind only unbeaten Penrith Panthers on the NRL ladder.
The Eels are coming off a 31-18 defeat of defending champions Sydney Roosters last weekend, but will miss the services of half Dylan brown and centre Marata Niukore, who have both been suspended for dangerous tackles.
Join us at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the NRL clash between NZ Warriors and Parramatta Eels
