NRL 2021: NZ Warriors prodigy Reece Walsh named to start in halves against North Queensland Cowboys

NZ Warriors rookie prodigy Reece Walsh will shift into the halves for Sunday's clash against North Queensland Cowboys in Gosford.

The 18-year-old was one of the few bright spots for the Warriors during their loss to Melbourne Storm on Sunday, where he impressed at fullback, after a late change that saw captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moved to the wing.

This weekend, Walsh will start in the No.6 jersey alongside Kodi Nikorima, with Tuivasa-Sheck returning to his regular custodian role.

In other changes to the backline, Adam Pompey - initially expected to miss up to four weeks due to ankle injury sustained against the Dragons - returns ahead of his injury recovery timetable to start at centre alongside newcomer Rocco Berry, with Marcelo Montoya out of contention with a knee injury.

David Fusitu'a will also make his injury comeback, reclaiming his spot on the wing after a two-game absence.

NRL 2021: NZ Warriors prodigy Reece Walsh named to start in halves against North Queensland Cowboys
Photo credit: Getty/Newshub.

Up front, the forwards receive a welcome boost with the return of star Tohu Harris, after concussion protocols ruled him out of Sunday's match.

Second rower Josh Curran has been named despite his judiciary hearing for a dangerous tackle on Storm wing George Jennings.

Curran has entered an early guilty plea, but the club will attempt to have the tackle downgraded at the Tuesday night hearing. 

Reduction to a grade one offence would see Curran fined and able to play against the Cowboys this weekend. If unsuccessful, he will miss two matches.

After moonlighting in the halves against the Storm, Bayley Sironen moves back to the bench, as does makeshift centre Jack Murchie.

Led by former Warriors coach Todd Payten, the Cowboys are riding a three-game win streak, which includes Saturday's sensational 18-point comeback win against Canberra Raiders.

They'll also receive an enormous on-field injection against the Kiwi side, with powerhouse Jason Taumalolo returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Tonga foward has been out of action for over a month, as he recovered from a broken hand suffered at training.

The Cowboys currently sit 12th on the NRL ladder, three spots below the ninth-placed Warriors.

Join us at 4pm, Sunday, for live updates of NZ Warriors' clash with North Queensland Cowboys.