Alehana Mara replaces an injured Nathan Friend in the only line-up change for the Warriors’ 10th-round NRL match against the Sydney Roosters at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday.

With Friend out for six weeks after breaking his jaw in last Saturday’s 30-20 win over Brisbane, the 22-year-old Mara has been named for what will be his 10th NRL outing.

He last played for the Warriors in their final regular season outing against the North Queensland Cowboys last year, one of six appearances he made in 2011.

Mara returned from a knee injury for the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup two weeks ago, then scored a try against Balmain Ryde-Eastwood last Saturday.

Warriors coach Brian McClennan says it’s disappointing Friend is out injured but is confident in Mara’s ability.

“It’s a great opportunity for Alehana,” he said.

“He’s gone well for the Vulcans since coming back from his injury and he’ll do a good job for us.”

Other than Mara, McClennan has named the same starting combination and bench used against Brisbane with Jacob Lillyman again joining Lewis Brown, Ukuma Ta’ai and Sione Lousi on the bench.

It will be the second time the Warriors have met the Roosters this season, the last encounter ending in a 26-8 round five loss at Allianz Stadium.

Warriors: Jerome Ropati, Bill Tupou, Ben Henry, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Russell Packer, Alehana Mara, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor, Simon Mannering (capt), Feleti Mateo. Interchange: Lewis Brown, Ukuma Ta’ai, Sione Lousi, Jacob Lillyman.