NZ Warriors have been forced to make several changes to their squad to face South Sydney Rabbitohs at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday.
On Sunday, the side suffered a slew of injuries during their 30-16 loss to Penrith Panthers in Brisbane, which reduced them to a one-man bench against the high-flying Western Sydney side.
Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (concussion) and centre Rocco Berry (hamstring) have been ruled out along with second rower Tohu Harris - who'll miss the rest of the season with an ACL tear - and hooker Wayde Egan, who's expected to face a lengthy absence with a shoulder injury.
Recovery time frames for Tuivasa-Sheck and Berry are yet to be determined.
Prop Addin Fonua-Blake will step up to captain the side for the first time in Tuivasa-Sheck's absence.
Utility Jazz Tevaga moves from the back of the scrum to replace Egan at hooker, while Jack Murchie steps into fill Harris' void in the second row.
Kodi Nikorima and Chad Townsend combine in the halves, with Adam Pompey returning to start in the centres.
Josh Curran starts at loose forward and rookie hooker Taniela Otukolo is on the bench for his second appearance of the season.
Completing the interchange at this stage are props Bunty Afoa and Leeson Ah Mau – the only player who hasn’t missed a game this year – and second rower Eliesa Katoa.
Fresh off a 32-24 over Canterbury Bulldogs, the Rabbitohs currently sit third on the NRL ladder, while the Warriors languish in 14th, desperately needing a win to keep their very faint finals hopes alive.
The Rabbitohs are riding a five-game win streak, while the Warriors have dropped six straight games.
Join us at 5pm, Saturday for live updates of the NRL clash between NZ Warriors and Souith Sydney Rabbitohs
