The Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has been confirmed for his National Rugby League return in Sunday's match against the Newcastle Knights in New South Wales.
Warriors Half back Shaun Johnson during the round 19 NRL match between the Auckland Warriors and the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Australia on July 19, 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Warriors Shaun Johnson makes a break during a game with the Canberra Raiders. Photo: AAP / TEAUKURA MOETAUA
Johnson's missed the last three matches with a groin injury and he's been named to start in the No.7 jersey, with Thomas Leuluai moving to hooker.
That pushes Nathan Friend to the bench.
Two other backline changes were forced with Dane Nielsen (concussion) and Tuimoala Lolohea (hamstring) both ruled out this week.
With first-choice centre Konrad Hurrell still unavailable with a hamstring strain, McFadden has brought the utility, Ben Henry, into the starting line-up at centre while the rookie, David Fusitu'a, returns on the right wing.
Returning in the second row is Jayson Bukuya, who will start alongside Ben Matulino, while the captain, Simon Mannering, switches to loose forward.
Friend is joined on an extended interchange by Feleti Mateo, Sam Rapira, Sione Lousi, Sebastine Ikahihifo and Dominique Peyroux.
Warriors:
1 Sam Tomkins
2 David Fusitu'a
3 Ngani Laumape
4 Ben Henry
5 Manu Vatuvei
6 Chad Townsend
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Jacob Lillyman
9 Thomas Leuluai
10 Suaia Matagi
11 Ben Matulino
12 Jayson Bukuya
13 Simon Mannering (C)
Interchange:
14 Feleti Mateo
15 Sam Rapira
16 Sione Lousi
17 Nathan Friend
18 Sebastine Ikahihifo
21 Dominique Peyroux
