NRL 2019: New Zealand Warriors name side for must-win clash against Canberra Raiders

The New Zealand Warriors have named hooker Issac Luke to play Canberra as they await his judicial hearing on Tuesday night. 

The veteran forward was charged with grade two dangerous throw stemming from the controversial 24-22 loss to the Parramatta Eels last weekend.

The club accepted the offence but are disputing the grading in the hope Luke can suit up in a must-win game against the Raiders in Auckland. 

The clash marks the first time in over a month that the Warriors have played at Mount Smart Stadium, after four weeks travelling 15,000km to play in Newcastle, Brisbane, Wellington and Sydney. 

Coach Stephen Kearney has prepared for the potential loss of Luke by including a fit-again Karl Lawton on an extended bench. 

Halfback Kodi Nikoroma is also fit again and will slot straight back into the number six jersey, despite an impressive outing from rookie half Chanel Harris-Tavita against the Eels. 

NRL 2019: New Zealand Warriors name side for must-win clash against Canberra Raiders
Photo credit: Photosport

The Warriors face a daunting prospect against the Raiders who sit fourth on a congested top half of the ladder, following three wins from their last four games. 

A win is almost essential for the New Zealand club who risk slipping four points off a playoff spot if Canberra leaves Auckland with two-points. 

Injured backs David Fusitu'a and Patrick Herbert are expected back for next weekend's home clash with the Sea Eagles. 

But Star forward Tohu Harris, originally expected to return for the Manly visit, is unlikely to feature.

The NRL have assigned two of their most senior officials to control the game in Gavin Badger and Matt Cecchin. 

Warriors squad: 

1-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2-Gerard Beale, 3-Peta Hiku, 4-Blake Ayshford, 5-Ken Maumalo, 6-Kodi Nikorima, 7-Blake Green, 8-Agnatius Paasi, 9-Issac Luke, 10-Leeson Ah Mau, 11-Adam Blair, 12-Isiah Papalii, 13-Jazz Tevaga 

Extended benlch: 14-Lachlan Burr, 15-Sam Lisone, 16-Bubty Afoa, 17-Chanel Harris-Tavita, 18-Karl Lawton, 20-Josh Curran, 21-Adam Pompey, 22-Adam Keighran 

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