Seven players have returned to the NZ Warriors to face North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday, but veteran half Shaun Johnson is not among them, as he continues to rehab a troublesome shoulder injury.
Coach Andrew Webster has been able to name most of those missing from the last two outings, which resulted in potentially season-turning victories over the champion Penrith Panthers and the Dolpins.
Before those wins, the Warriors had gone five games without victory, but the understrength line-up stepped up to halt the slide. After a bye week, many of those players have now returned to the bench, making way for the frontliners.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who played at five-eighth against the Panthers, but was shifted to centre, before withdrawing ill against the Dolphins, will regain his preferred No.1 jersey at fullback.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who moved to fullback against the Dolphins, after Taine Tuaupiki was called away for the birth of his first child, will return to the wing, while Rocco Berry is named at centre, although he was also a withdrawal against the Dolphins with a finger injury.
In Johnson's continue absence, Chanel Harris-Tavita will maintain his halves partnership with Te Maire Martin, while prop Addin Fonua-Blake (team suspension) and hooker Wayde Egan (concussion) return in the front row.
Captain Tohu Harris is back at lock, while NSW State of Origin call-up Mitch Barnett is included in the second row. Second-rower Kurt Capewell is on a strong bench that may see Tuaupiki and prop Bunty Afoa miss out on the gameday squad altogether.
Johnson, 33, is now expected back on deck against Melbourne Storm at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart next week.
Warriors: 1-Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2-Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3-Rocco Berry, 4-Adam Pompey, 5-Marcelo Montoya, 6-Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7-Te Maire Martin, 8-Addin Fonua-Blake, 9-Wayde Egan, 10-Jackson Ford, 11-Marata Niukore, 12-Mitch Barnett, 13-Tohu Harris
Interchange: 14-Dylan Walker, 15-Jazz Tevaga, 16-Tom Ale, 17-Kurt Capewell, 18-Freddy Lussick, 20-Taine Tuaupiki, 21-Bunty Afoa, 22-Ed Kosi, 23-Moala Graham-Taufa
Join Newshub at 7:30pm Saturday for live updates of the Warriors v Cowboys NRL clash
