Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will make his NZ Warriors return against Sydney Roosters on Saturday, after breaking his thumb in the first round of 2022.
Watene-Zelezniak, 26, has been named to start in the No.2 jersey for Saturday's clash, taking the place of Marcelo Montoya as the only change to the starting side from last week's victory over North Queensland Cowboys.
The winger returns to the side earlier than expected, after needing surgery on his thumb, broken in the opening minutes of the Warriors' defeat to St George Illawarra Dragons to start the season.
Meanwhile, Montoya has not been named, and will face the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night after pleading guilty to a contrary conduct charge, having been captured by on-field microphones using homophobic language against North Queensland's Kyle Feldt.
The winger faces a ban for his language, ruling him out of the Warriors' immediate plans. Montoya's absence also sees Edward Kosi switch wings to accommodate Watene-Zelezniak's return.
The Warriors are searching for a fourth straight victory when they face the Roosters, after three consecutive wins in the past three weeks.
Warriors: 1-Reece Walsh, 2-Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3-Jesse Arthars, 4-Adam Pompey, 5-Edward Kosi, 6-Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7-Shaun Johnson, 8-Addin Fonua-Blake (c), 9-Wayde Egan, 10-Matt Lodge, 11-Euan Aitken, 12-Bayley Sironen, 13-Josh Curran
Interchange (four from): 14-Kodi Nikorima, 15-Bunty Afoa, 16-Aaron Pene, 17-Elisea Katoa, 18-Taniela Otukolo, 20-Viliami Vailea, 21-Pride Petterson-Robati, 22-Rocco Berry, 23-Otukinekina Kepu, 24-Junior Ratuva, 25-Vailingi Kepu
Join Newshub for live updates of the Warriors v Roosters NRL clash from 4pm Sunday,
