Half Daejarn Asi has been recalled to start for NZ Warriors' NRL clash against Canterbury Bulldogs at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on Friday.
Fellow rookie Ronald Volkman has been ruled out of the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury, opening the door for Asi to slot into the No. 6 jersey.
After filling in in the halves during the 48-10 demolition by South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday, Wayde Egan returns to his regular role at hooker.
Teen centre Viliami Valea is back from injury to make his first first-grade appearance since May, when he broke his jaw against Newcastle Knights.
Vailea opened the season with five tries in six games, before being sidelined. He's been working his way back to match fitness with feeder club Redcliffe.
His return means Euan Aitken moves back to the second row alongside Jack Murchie, while Freddy Lussic - after starting at hooker on Saturday - shifts to the interchange.
Aaron Pene's leg injury means Josh Curran slots into the run-on side at the back of the scrum.
Chanel Harris-Tavita (knee) and Jesse Arthars (quad) weren't cleared to play but are expected to be available for the round 23 clash with North Queensland Cowboys.
The 14th-placed Warriors will be out to avoid a fifth straight defeat against the Bulldogs, who are currently in 12th and coming off a 28-14 loss to the Cowboys.
Join us at 8pm, Friday for live updates of NZ Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs.
