NRL 2020: NZ Warriors' Adam Blair dropped to bench against Sydney Roosters

The NZ Warriors have rung the changes for their Round 11 clash with the Sydney City Roosters on Saturday.

Injury has forced some adjustments to the embattled squad, which is trying to snap a two-game losing streak and bid its departing group of players a fitting farewell.

Hooker Wayde Egan's troublesome hip brings the versatile Karl Lawton into the No.9 jersey.

Interchange prop Agnatius Paasi's shoulder injury means his 2020 campaign is over, as he prepares to return to New Zealand after the game alongside Ken Maumalo, David Fusitu'a, and King Vuniyayawa.

NRL 2020: NZ Warriors' Adam Blair dropped to bench against Sydney Roosters
Photo credit: Getty/Newshub.

Paasi's spot on the bench is taken by Lachlan Burr, who'll make his first appearance since round six. Chanel Harris-Tavita also takes his place there as back-up hooker.

Elsewhere in the forwards, Adam Blair has been demoted to the interchange bench, replaced by Panthers loan player Jack Hetherington.

Interchange specialist Jazz Tevaga will make his first start of 2020 at the back of the scrum, promoted from the bench with Eliesa Katoa into the run-on side.

In the backs, Adam Pompey replaces Patrick Herbert at centre. Herbert joins an extended interchange bench next to Jack Murchie, Josh Curran, and Adam Keighran.

The injury-struck defeding premiers Roosters will be trying to bounce back from a hard-fought 24-20 defeat to the Canberra Raiders last week.

Join us for live updates of Warriors v Roosters from 5pm Saturday