New-look Warriors line up for season opener against South Sydney Rabbitohs

  • 06/03/2018

It will be a refreshed Warriors side which takes the field against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Perth on Saturday.

Seven new names will grace the team-sheet for New Zealand for their NRL season opener, including first-grade debutant Sam Cook at interchange hooker.

Cook impressed during the pre-season with stand-out performances in the wins over the Storm and the Bulldogs.

Off-season acquisitions Peta Hiku, Blake Green, Adam Blair, and Tohu Harris will also make their first appearances for the club, which will be looking for its first-ever win in Westen Australia after nine fruitless visits.

Second-rower Simon Mannering, who's likely to miss the first few rounds with a shoulder injury, has been replaced by 19-year-old Isaiah Papali'i.

The match is the first leg of a double-header to be concluded out by the defending champion Melbourne Storm against the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Kick-off at Perth Stadium is scheduled for 4pm (NZT).

WARRIORS: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, James Gavet, Issac Luke, Adam Blair, Isaiah Papali'i, Tohu Harris, Ligi Sao.

Interchange: Sam Cook, Leivaha Pulu, Sam Lisone, Bunty Afoa, Jazz Tevaga, Mason Lino, Agnatius Paasi Anthony Gelling

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