Five players are in line to make their Warriors debuts in the club’s NRL season opener against the Newcastle Knights on Saturday.

Coach Andrew McFadden has named experienced recruits Bodene Thompson and Ryan Hoffman to start in the second row in their first appearances for the club, with captain Simon Mannering moving to loose forward.

Solomone Kata has been confirmed to make his NRL debut in the centres playing on the left edge alongside veteran wing Manu Vatuvei.

Named on an extended bench are props Sam Lisone and Albert Vete who, like Kata, are products of the club’s development system.

Kata and Lisone were both in the premiership-winning Junior Warriors side last year.

McFadden says Hoffman and Thompson have made an impact since joining the Warriors from the Melbourne Storm and Wests Tigers respectively.

“They bring so much to the squad in terms of not just their ability but their attitude and work ethic,” McFadden said.

“Solomone, Sam and Albert have also made a big impression with their work in the off-season and their efforts in the trials. They’ve really earned their selection.”

Returning after three NRL appearances last year is Tuimoala Lolohea, who has been named on the right wing, alongside centre Konrad Hurrell. Lolohea was also in the club’s grand final-winning NYC side last year.

Veteran utility Thomas Leuluai will start at hooker with Nathan Friend on the bench.

After winning only two of their first 14 clashes against the Knights, the Warriors have experienced a greater level of success since, winning 13 of their last 18 encounters.

Warriors: Sam Tomkins, Tuimoala Lolohea, Konrad Hurrell, Solomone Kata, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Thomas Leuluai, Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson, Ryan Hoffman, Simon Mannering (capt). Interchange (one to be omitted): Nathan Friend, Ben Henry, Sam Lisone, Albert Vete, Suaia Matagi.