Shaun Johnson and Simon Mannering have been named to make injury returns for the undefeated Warriors in their heavyweight NRL clash with North Queensland.

Johnson, having missed the Warriors’ shock 30-6 win last weekend over the Sydney Roosters, is expected to overcome a groin complaint for Saturday’s double-header in Auckland.

Mannering will make his return on the bench, after missing the opening month of the season with a shoulder injury suffered in the pre-season trials.

Elsewhere, Ricky Stuart has axed Queensland State of Origin forward Josh Papalii in response to Canberra’s worst start to a season in 21 years.

Papalii has been dropped back to an extended bench for the winless Raiders for Thursday night’s clash with Canterbury, with Luke Bateman elevated to a starting spot and Liam Knight brought into the 17.

Dylan Walker has been named to make his return from injury for Manly to face Gold Coast, with Matt Wright shifting to fullback in place of the sidelined Tom Trbojevic.

And Scott Bolton returns to North Queensland’s starting side after Jordan McLean’s foot surgery, with Corey Jensen added to the bench for the Warriors clash.

Adam Reynolds (South Sydney), Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan (Cronulla) are among the other stars named to return this week as expected.