Former Eels player Krisnan Inu will face his old club for the first time after being named in the Warriors’ line-up for next Monday’s NRL clash at Parramatta Stadium.
Inu was called into the Warriors squad on Tuesday to replaced Jerome Ropati, ruled out for at least three weeks after injuring his ankle in last Sunday’s season-opening 20-26 loss to Manly.
Inu will partner 20-year-old rookie Konrad Hurrell in the centres, who is set to earn his first start after featuring strongly off the bench against Manly.
Hurrell’s 53 minutes on the field was highlighted by an exceptional work rate of 14 runs – the most by any Warriors players – and a game-high 154 metres gained.
The only other change to the line-up which started last Sunday’s match against Manly sees Sione Lousi chosen as starting prop alongside Kiwi international Ben Matulino. Kiwi Russell Packer is set to feature from the interchange.
Warriors’ coach Brian McClennan has opted to again name a seven-man interchange.
“It’s early in the week to be naming a side after just coming off a Sunday match, especially with us not playing the Eels until next Monday night,” he said.
“We’ve got a long turnaround for this game, and there are still some things we’ll be having a look at when the players return to training tomorrow morning.”
While Lousi and Packer swap places, the other players among the first-named on the interchange bench are the same as those selected for the Manly match – prop Ukuma Ta’ai, Henry and Lewis Brown.
Glen Fisiiahi and Alehana Mara are again included on the extended bench along with Junior Kiwi Sebastine Ikahihifo.
Warriors: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Konrad Hurrell, Krisnan Inu, 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, Ben Henry, Glen Fisiiahi, Alehana Mara, Sebastine Ikahihifo.