NRL: Warriors lose Blake Green for crucial clash with Penrith Panthers

The NZ Warriors will be without key half Blake Green for Friday's NRL encounter with the Penrith Panthers in Auckland.

The veteran playmaker's struggling with a calf problem sustained during the narrow loss to the Bulldogs on Sunday.

He'll miss just his second game this season, with Mason Lino coming into the side as his replacement.

Meanwhile, experienced back-rower Tohu Harris is set to return from injury, after being named on an extended bench. 

Harris has missed the past six games, after tearing meniscus in both knees. He's been included at the expense of Leivaha Pulu.

Centre Gerard Beale looks to have overcome the hamstring strain that limited him against the Bulldogs and has been named to the starting side.

The Warriors need to win one of their final two fixtures to guarantee themselves a spot in the NRL finals for the first time since 2011. 

The Panthers have injury concerns of their own, with stand-out forward Viliame Kikau in doubt due to visa issues and talisman half James Maloney sidelined until the finals.

Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), David Fusitu'a, Gerard Beale, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Mason Lino, Shaun Johnson, James Gavet, Issac Luke, Agnatius Paasi, Isaiah Papali'i, Adam Blair, Simon Mannering

Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Tohu Harris, Bunty Afoa, Peta Hiku, Leivaha Pulu, Anthony Gelling, Chris Satae, Karl Lawton

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Join us at 8pm Friday for live updates of the Warriors vs Panthers NRL clash at Mt Smart Stadium.