NZ Warriors appear poised to welcome back Wayde Egan for Friday's clash with undefeated Canberra Raiders in Christchurch.
Egan was named to start against Melbourne last weekend but was scratched late due to an elbow injury suffered during the opening round loss to Cronulla Sharks.
The 110-game veteran is now on track to replace Freddy Lussick in the only change to the starting side that fell to an agonising last-gasp 30-26 defeat to bogey side the Storm at AAMI Park.
Lussick moves to the bench, where Jacob Laban's inclusion at the expense of Ali Leiataua is the only other tweak made by coach Andrew Webster, as his side chase their first win of 2024.
Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (hamstring) remains sidelined with injury, as does forward Marata Niukore (foot).
Wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will achieve the first player milestone of the year when he makes his 50th appearance for the club.
Apollo Projects Stadium sold out weeks ago for the Warriors eight visit to Garden City, the first time the club has played a home game in Christchurch.
The Raiders currently sit atop the NRL ladder after wins over Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers.
Warriors: 1-Taine Tuaupiki, 2-Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3-Rocco Berry, 4-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 5-Marcelo Montoya, 6-Luke Metcalf, 7-Shaun Johnson, 8-Addin Fonua-Blake, 9-Wayde Egan, 10-Mitch Barnett, 11-Jackson Ford, 12-Kurt Capewell, 13-Tohu Harris
Interchange: 14-Freddy Lussick, 15-Tom Ale, 16-Bunty Afoa, 17-Dylan Walker, 18-Adam Pompey, 20-Jazz Tevaga, 21-Te Maire Martin, 22-Jacob Laban, 23-Chanel Tavita-Harris
