Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke will make their debut for the Warriors in the opening round of the National Rugby League competition this weekend.
New Warriors signings Isaac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Photo: Photosport
They are two of six Warriors debutants who will face the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday.
Making his NRL debut from the bench will be 19-year-old hooker Nathaniel Roache, who's still NYC-eligible again this season.
Centre Blake Ayshford, halfback Jeff Robson, and prop James Gavet round out the other Warrior debutants.
Mount Albert Grammar School-educated Roache, who was in the club's NYC premiership-winning side in 2014, has made 38 appearances for the Junior Warriors over the last two seasons and also played for the New South Wales Cup side last year.
Second rower Ben Henry, is also returning to the NRL after his second knee reconstruction in two years. He played both trials against the Gold Coast Titans the St George Illawarra Dragons.
"We're especially excited for Nate making his debut," said McFadden.
"He has done everything asked of him and we couldn't be happier that he now has his chance.
"James has really surprised us with the way he has come through to demand a place. He certainly deserves it with the way he's trained and through his efforts in the trials.
"It's also great to see Ben back. He has worked so hard to fight his way back into the NRL."
McFadden said there was much discussion about the selection of the outside backs and the front row.
"Konrad (Hurrell) has put in the work to get himself in terrific shape but for this game we have gone with Blake there," he said.
Warriors
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2 Tuimoala Lolohea
3 Blake Ayshford
4 Solomone Kata
5 Manu Vatuvei
6 Shaun Johnson
7 Jeff Robson
8 Jacob Lillyman
9 Issac Luke
10 Ben Matulino
11 Ben Henry
12 Ryan Hoffman (C)
13 Simon Mannering
Interchange:
14 Nathaniel Roache
15 Sam Lisone
16 James Gavet
17 Bodene Thompson
18 Jonathan Wright
20 Albert Vete
