Warriors dump Robson for Lolohea

Jeff Robson has been dumped from the Warriors’ halves in favour of Tuimoala Lolohea as coach Andrew McFadden seeks a solution to his side’s stumbling start to their NRL season.

Lolohea will move into the five-eighth role alongside Shaun Johnson for Saturday’s round seven match against the Canterbury in Wellington.

David Fusitua moves onto the wing for the Westpac Stadium clash on Saturday, which is a Bulldogs home game.

“We’ve always seen Tui as moving into the halves at some stage,” McFadden said.

“We had him there late last season when Shaun was injured and he also played in the halves for the Kiwis. He provides great value wherever he plays on the field but, while he has done a terrific job on the wing, we see Tui’s future being in the halves.”

Bodene Thompson returns from three matches out due to injury in the second row while Simon Mannering reverts moves to lock.

McFadden has also made a switch in the front row, naming Sam Lisone to start while the vastly experienced Jacob Lillyman is set to be used from the interchange bench.

Veteran winger Manu Vatuvei hasn’t fully recovered from the hamstring injury which kept him out of last week’s 34-18 loss to Manly, opening the way for Fusitua’s return after last appearing against the Sydney Roosters last July.

The Bulldogs sit fifth on the ladder after an 18-12 win over the Storm in Melbourne on Monday, while the Warriors are 13th with two wins from six starts.

Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jonathan Wright, Blake Ayshford, Solomone Kata, David Fusitua, Tuimoala Lolohea, Shaun Johnson, Sam Lisone, Issac Luke, Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson, Ryan Hoffman (captain), Simon Mannering. Interchange: Thomas Leuluai, Jacob Lillyman, Charlie Gubb, Konrad Hurrell, Ligi Sao.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!