Charnze Nicoll-klokstad is set to make his NRL debut for the Warriors in Sunday's clash with the Sydney Roosters stepping in for injured Solomone Kata.
Charnze Nicoll Klokstad is set to make his NRL debut on Sunday. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Kata injured his hamstring in the Anzac Day loss to the Melbourne Storm making him unavailable for this weeks game.
The extent of the Tongan-born Kiwi international's injury remains unclear, but Kata's absence has forced a reshuffle from Warriors coach Stephen Kearney.
Blake Ayshford will shift to the centres with Nicoll-Klokstad to line up on the right wing.
Auckland-born Nicoll-Klokstad has been a standout for the Warriors' unbeaten NSW Cup side in 2017.
He was named Warriors' 2016 NSW Cup player of the year gong in his first year at the club after transferring from the Storm's youth squad.
The remainder of the Warriors' starting side has a familiar look with the all- Kiwi spine of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Kieran Foran, Shaun Johnson and Issac Luke intact.
Bodene Thompson and Ryan Hoffman, who will play his 50th NRL game for the club, resume their customary second-row roles, while veteran Simon Mannering will play at lock.
Departing Ben Matulino has been named on the bench.
Front-rower Albert Vete and veteran winger Manu Vatuvei have been included in an extended bench, in place of Charlie Gubb and Mason Lino.
Out-of-favour utility Tuimoala Lolohea has again been overlooked.
The Warriors play the Roosters in Auckland on Sunday.
-AAP
