The Warriors will be hoping fullback Kevin Locke can provide some much-needed spark when he returns from injury for Sunday’s NRL clash with South Sydney.

Locke has been named ahead of Glen Fisiiahi for the Warriors, who sit 13th on the NRL table after poor performances when losing away games to Sydney and Canberra in the last two weeks.

An injured leg kept Locke out of those two games, though he did get some game time for the Auckland Vulcans last Saturday.

Coach Brian McClennan has also added two young players to a six-man bench.

Centre Konrad Hurrell has been recalled after recovering from a groin injury, while 19-year-old Junior Warriors captain John Palavi has also been named.

Locke is one of three changes from the line-up which started against Canberra.

Prop Ben Matulino and second rower Feleti Mateo, who were also named to start last week, have been named again ahead of last week’s eventual starters Russell Packer and Lewis Brown.

The Warriors had a similar record at this time last year and McClennan says he hopes a run of three home games in four weeks can help get the Warriors’ season back on track.

“We find ourselves in a place the club has been before and we all know we’re going to have to be really determined and work even harder for each other to get our season going.”

Injuries continue to keep Micheal Luck, Jacob Lillyman, Steve Rapira, Alehana Mara and Sebastine Ikahihifo out of the Warriors team.

Warriors: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Ben Henry, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Sione Lousi, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (captain), Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Russell Packer, Ukuma Ta’ai, Konrad Hurrell, Sam Rapira, Lewis Brown, John Palavi.