Warriors unchanged for Roosters NRL clash

The Warriors have named an unchanged side for their clash with the Roosters, meaning Roger Tuivasa-Scheck will meet his former club for the first time and Jacob Lillyman will bring up 150 matches.

The Warriors notched up their first win of the season, beating Newcastle 40-18 in Auckland on Monday and the coaches have stuck with the side despite not being entirely happy with the performance.

“We felt we played a lot better when we lost to Brisbane and Melbourne in our previous two games,” said assistant coach Andrew Webster.

“There are a lot of areas we need to improve in when we take on the Roosters. We were just too sloppy at times.”

Sunday’s game at Central Coast Stadium means the Roosters will be eyeing a welcoming committee for new Warrior Tuivasa-Scheck, who was a star performer for them last year before signing to cross the ditch.

The fullback has run more than 200m for four consecutive games. Against the Knights he also had a hand in two tries.

“Roger has been great for us since the start of the season and went better again against the Knights,” Webster said.

“His combinations are really developing and we’re seeing the benefits of what he provides for us.”

Lillyman, 32, will mark his 150th match for the Warriors since joining the club in 2009. He’ll join Micheal Luck as the only other Australian to play that many games for the Auckland-based side.

Simon Mannering has again been named to start in the second row with Albert Vete at loose forward.

Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck, Tuimola Lolohea, Blake Ayshford, Solomone Kata, Manu Vatuvei, Shaun Johnson, Jeff Robson, Jacob Lillyman, Issac Luke, Ben Matulino, Simon Mannering, Ryan Hoffman (capt), Albert Vete. Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Charlie Gubb, Konrad Hurrell.

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