NZ Warriors rookie Ali Leiataua will make his NRL debut on Friday, named to start at centre against Canberra Raiders.
After Rocco Berry's failed concussion test in Saturday's victory over Redcliffe Dolphins, 20-year-old Leiataua has been moved up into the Warriors' first grade side after impressive form in the New South Wales Cup.
Leiataua has been part of the club's junior ranks since the age of 14, and is the nephew of ex-Warriors and Kiwis forward Ali Lauititi.
In 13 appearances for the Warriors at reserve grade level, Leiataua has scored nine tries to go with six try assists, and averages 136 running metres per game.
Speaking on Tuesday, coach Andrew Webster outlined exactly why Leiataua has been backed over more senior options.
"I think it's important we back our own," said Webster. "He's been fantastic in reserve grade, been their best player, been reliable, been tough and deserves this opportunity.
"He's just so confident in himself. He's so confident, but doesn't get ahead of himself.
"He's aggressive, he's strong, he can beat people. Fundamentally, he's reliable.
"You're going to see a fearless player this week."
Elsewhere, the duo of Addin Fonua-Blake and Marcelo Montoya will bring up 50 appearances for the club, while Josh Curran brings up 50 NRL appearances in a starting side with no other changes from the victory over the Dolphins.
Hooker Freddy Lussick has been named on an extended interchange bench, after missing Saturday's win through NRL concussion protocols.
NZ Warriors: 1-Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2-Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3-Ali Leiataua, 4-Adam Pompey, 5-Marcelo Montoya, 6-Luke Metcalf, 7-Shaun Johnson, 8-Addin Fonua-Blake, 9-Wayde Egan, 10-Bunty Afoa, 11-Jackson Ford, 12-Marata Niukore, 13-Tohu Harris (c)
Interchange (from): 14-Bayley Sironen, 15-Josh Curran, 16-Mitchell Barnett, 17-Tom Ale, 18-Ronald Volkman, 20-Taine Tuaupiki, 21-Freddy Lussick, 22-Brayden Wiliame, 23-Zyon Mai'u
Join Newshub at 8pm Friday for live updates of the Warriors v Raiders NRL clash
