The loss of prop Ben Matulino is a bitter blow for the Warriors’ early-season NRL ambitions but Sam Lisone is ready to step up.

The 22-year-old forward, entering his third year in the top grade, is likely to be entrusted with a more-senior position as Matulino completes his knee surgery recovery.

The Warriors’ veteran and 23-cap Kiwi underwent surgery in early January on a left knee injury, just three months after a procedure on his right knee.

He is unlikely to return in the early stages of the NRL campaign, with Lisone, Albert Vete and Charlie Gubb expected to fill his shoes.

“It’s not what we really wanted but I guess it’s a challenge for us, Albert and Charlie, to step up and fill that void,” Lisone said.

“It’s going to be shared amongst us three, so we’ve just got to take it on.”

Yet before the Warriors’ 2017 NRL season opener, Lisone will lace up for his third stint in this weekend’s Auckland Nines.

A late injury inclusion, the two-time Samoan international was relishing the chance to hit the paddock alongside 44-year-old club legend Ruben Wiki.

The former Kiwis’ captain will skipper the side on his return to elite rugby league, having retired in 2008 from the NRL.

He currently serves as the club’s strength and conditioning coach.

Lisone hoped the tournament could propel the Warriors into a positive early-season run, having struggled in the opening weeks of 2016.

Vete, who has been rested for this weekend’s nines, agreed.

He said the side had focused heavily on their defensive work in pre-season, having conceded the third-most tries last year with 101.

“Stephen (Kearney) has put down his expectations and a lot of the boys are stepping up and showing him what we’ve got in training,” the 24-year-old said.

“That’s the only way we’re going to get into the team.”