Shaun Johnson returns for NRL Auckland Nines

Shaun Johnson (Photosport)

Shaun Johnson has been confirmed to make his comeback from injury at the NRL Auckland Nines.

The 25-year-old will captain the Warriors side, which includes new signings Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Blake Ayshford, Jeff Robson and Henare Wells.

Issac Luke and Warriors skipper Simon Mannering were not named in the side.

Coach Andrew McFadden said Johnson has recovered from a broken ankle suffered six months ago. 

"We're naturally excited we've been able to pick Shaun and he's certainly excited about having the chance to come back from his ankle surgery at the Nines," said coach Andrew McFadden.

"He had to be confident and he is. He really looks forward to playing in this tournament and we couldn’t be happier to have him ready to go and to be our captain again."

Three of the club's most experienced forwards have been chosen in props Jacob Lillyman and Ben Matulino, plus second rower Ryan Hoffman.

"The boys in the middle are really important. We need forwards who can give us some minutes and this group of players offer that," said McFadden.

Explosive ball runners Solomone Kata and Tuimoala Lolohea will both feature for the third year in a row, while Konrad Hurrell and David Fusitu'a return to the pre-season competition after featuring in 2014.

"It's an exciting team looking at the players we've been able to select.

"We're confident we have a group of players here who are going to put on a good show at Eden Park next weekend."

The Warriors will play in the Hunua Pool with the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Broncos at the Nines, which runs over February 6 and 7.

Warriors Nines team: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ryan Hoffman, Jacob Lillyman, David Fusitu'a, Solomone Kata, Tuimoala Lolohea, Shaun Johnson (c), Charlie Gubb, Henare Wells, Konrad Hurrell, Ben Matulino, Ken Maumalo, Jonathan Wright, Jeff Robson, Sam Lisone, Blake Ayshford, Albert Vete, Ata Hingano.

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