The return of four frontline players and the unexpected inclusion of hooker Issac Luke has boosted the Warriors for their NRL clash with Wests Tigers in Auckland on Saturday night.
Warriors James Gavet and Issac Luke celebrate in their winning game against the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium. Photo: Photosport NZ
Halfback Shaun Johnson, second-rower Tohu Harris, centre Solomone Kata and prop James Gavet have all been named to make their comeback from injury against the Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium.
However, it is the sight of in-form No 9 Luke in the Warriors side that is the most notable feature of the starting side.
His inclusion comes just a day after it was revealed he would be out for four weeks after suffering a knee injury in the Warriors heavy defeat to the Storm in Melbourne on Anzac Day.
Luke had been named after training on Monday and if he was unable to play former Gold Coast utility Karl Lawton, who was signed in early March, would be used at hooker and become the ninth player to make his debut for the club this year.
Lawton comes onto the bench for Jazz Tevaga, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury while Anthony Gelling, Mason Lino and Isaiah Papali'i, all starters against the Storm, are on the extended bench.
Johnson is set to make his 149th career appearance, leaving him in line to achieve his 150-game milestone at home against the Roosters on May 12.
Gavet, who played in the first three matches of the season, has been included on the bench after missing the last five rounds with a hamstring injury picked up on the eve of the fourth-round encounter with the Sydney Roosters in March.
He played 38 minutes in the Warriors' 20-18 Intrust Super Premiership win over the Newtown Jets last Saturday, making 139 metres from 14 runs as well as 17 tackles.
After beating competition leaders St George Illawarra five days earlier, the Warriors were thumped 50-10 by the Storm, a result which leaves them third on the ladder with six wins and two losses.
WARRIORS: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Bunty Afoa, Issac Luke, Agnatius Paasi, Simon Mannering, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair. Interchange: Karl Lawton, Sam Lisone, Isaiah Papali'i, James Gavet, Anthony Gelling, Mason Lino, Albert Vete, Sam Cook.
