Tuimoala Lolohea has been named as Shaun Johnson's replacement for the Warriors game against the Cronulla Sharks at Mt Smart Stadium.
The utility back has spent time on the wing, at fullback and in the centres so far this season but has only spent 55 minutes at halfback after Johnson left the field with a broken ankle against Manly.
Easing the blow of losing the mercurial playmaker for the season, is the return of Manu Vatuvei from injury and Konrad Hurrell from a suspension at centre while Ken Maumalo has been recalled to the right wing.
In the forward pack, Simon Mannering has been moved to the second row along with Ben Matulino while Sebastine Ikahihifo takes over the No.13 jersey.
Charlie Gubb, Sam Lisone, Jonathan Wright and Sione Lousi join Siliva Havili and Raymond Faitala-Mariner on the bench.
"Simon and Ben will give us loads of experience and aggression in the second row while Seb demanded selection after his efforts with the New South Wales Cup side," said coach Andrew McFadden.
"Tui was a natural choice in the halves. He has trained there throughout the season when Shaun and Chad have missed training sessions.
"In Manu, Konrad and Ken we have three powerful runners back in the mix. We've really missed Manu's carries out of defence over the last few weeks, Ken has just come off four tries in a match and we all know what Koni can do.
"With Charlie and Sam coming onto the bench we gain more aggression and energy, which we have been missing lately.
The Warriors have dropped to eighth in the ladder after their disappointing 32-12 loss to Manly and face a Sharks side who have won six of their last seven games to climb to sixth.
"The effort against Manly was really disappointing but it’s only two weeks ago that we had a great feeling in the team when we beat Melbourne. That’s what we have to find again," McFadden said.
Warriors: 1. Sam Tomkins, 2. Ken Maumalo, 3. Konrad Hurrell, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. Chad Townsend, 7. Tuimoala Lolohea, 8. Jacob Lillyman, 8. Nathan Friend, 10. Albert Vete, 11. Ben Matulino. 12. Simon Mannering, 13. Sebastine Ikahihifo
Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 16. Charlie Gubb, 17. Sam Lisone, 18. Sione Lousi, 21. Jonathan Wright
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