Rugby league: Ken Maumalo's return boosts Warriors ahead of Melbourne Storm visit

  • 17/07/2018
Ken Maumalo has been in try scoring form in 2018.
Ken Maumalo has been in try scoring form in 2018. Photo credit: Photosport

The Warriors will welcome the Melbourne Storm to Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday with returning winger Ken Maumalo back in the frame.

The barnstorming winger has overcome the knee complaint which saw him miss Sunday's emphatic win over the Broncos.

The clash with the Storm is a shot at redemption for the New Zealaand club which was obliterated by Craig Bellamy's side on ANZAC Day.

Maumalo's return means Peta Hiku drops to an extended bench after starting on the wing in the 26-6 win over the Brisbane Broncos last Sunday.

Hiku had a performance to forget against Penrith two-weeks ago, his spot at centre filled by Gerard Beale who retains the jersey after a solid outing in Brisbane.

In a huge boost, prop Bunty Afoa has been included in the 21, a surprise given an elbow injury suffered against the Sharks three-weeks ago, an injury expected to sideline Afoa for over a month.

The Warriors jumped one-spot to seventh following their demolition of the Broncos while the Storm lie second – the two sides only separated by two competition points.

Warriors: 

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (captain), 2. David Fusitua, 3. Gerard Beale, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Blake Green, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. James Gavet, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Agnatius Paasi, 11. Isaiah Papali'i, 12. Simon Mannering, 13. Adam Blair.

Interchange:

Chris Satae, Jazz Tevaga, Joseph Vuna, Peta Hiku, Bunty Afoa, Anthony Gelling, Karl Lawton, Mason Lino (four to be omitted)

Newshub.