The Warriors have named their strongest possible starting line-up for their NRL season opener.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Back-rower Eliesa Katoa and hooker Wayde Egan were under injury clouds, but new coach Nathan Brown has named both in the team for Saturday's match against the Gold Coast Titans in Gosford.
Impressive in his rookie season in 2020, Katoa comes back from cheekbone surgery to join new signing Bayley Sironen in the second row.
Egan was set to start after being forced off the field with an elbow injury early in the club's only trial against the Titans in Lismore on February 27.
The line-up also features two of the club's other new recruits, centre Euan Aitken and prop Addin Fonua-Blake, while the powerful Ben Murdoch-Masila is on the interchange.
After returning home early last season, Ken Maumalo and David Fusitu'a are reunited with captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as a formidable back three.
Brown could also call on 2020's season-ending regular halves combination of Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita, the club's rookie of the year.
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown got the nod at prop, with Simon Mannering Medal winner Tohu Harris at loose forward.
The Warriors and Titans go battled out a 12-12 draw in their trial in Lismore.
Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), David Fusitu'a, Euan Aitken, Peta Hiku, Ken Maumalo, Kodi Nikorima, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Egan, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Eliesa Katoa, Bayley Sironen, Tohu Harris. Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Leeson Ah Mau, Bunty Afoa, Adam Pompey, Sean O'Sullivan, Tom Ale, Josh Curran.
