NZ Warriors have named key forward Matt Lodge in their starting side, preparing to face Melbourne Storm in their traditional Anzac Day clash.
Lodge was initially named to start in Sunday's defeat to Sydney Roosters but was forced to pull out after a side strain picked up in round four against Brisbane Broncos.
The 26-year-old has been named to start in the front row alongside captain Addin Fonua-Blake as the only change to the run-on side, with Aaron Pene moving to the bench after starting in the Roosters' loss.
The Warriors have also named the pair of halfback Shaun Johnson and lock Josh Curran, both of whom were seen battling injury concerns in the latter stages of Sunday's loss.
Also back from injury is utility forward Jazz Tevaga, named on an extended interchange bench after serving a two-match ban for a dangerous tackle in the win over the Broncos.
The Warriors are looking to snap an 11-game losing streak when they face the Storm at Melbourne's AAMI Park on Monday. The Kiwi side hasn't beaten the Storm since 2015 and has lost the last five Anzac Day encounters.
Sunday's defeat to the Roosters also ended the Warriors' three-match winning streak, with victories over Wests Tigers, the Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys in succession this season.
The Kiwi side sits ninth on the NRL ladder after the first six rounds of the 2022 season, with three wins and three defeats.
NZ 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 (from): 14-Kodi Nikorima, 15-Bunty Afoa, 16-Aaron Pene, 17-Eliesa Katoa, 18-Taniela Otukolo, 20-Jazz Tevaga, 21-Viliami Vailea, 22-Rocco Berry, 23-Vailingi Kepu, 24-Junior Ratuva, 25-Garrett Smith
