Nathan Friend’s return to the Warriors could not have come at a better time for a team that has suffered multiple injury setbacks this season.
Friend will be back for the Sunday match against North Queensland at Mount Smart Stadium after a broken jaw in the May 5 30-20 win against Brisbane.
And he’s not the only one to make a return.
Also coming back into the side from injury is Glen Fisiiahi, who has been named on the left wing.
"It's good timing to have Nathan back from his injury," said Warriors head coach Brian McClennan.
"We've certainly missed the experience he brings to the hooker's role so he'll really help us a lot there.
"And with Manu out for a bit after his surgery and Glen fit again, it's a big chance for him on the wing."
‘Bluey’ McClennan has also
While Friend and Fisiiahi have been recalled, McClennan has also done some reshuffling among the forwards with Elijah Taylor switching back to the No 13 jersey and Lewis Brown - used at hooker against Cronulla - named as a starting second rower. A five-man bench has been listed comprising Jacob Lillyman, Micheal Luck, Sione Lousi, Feleti Mateo and Steve Rapira.
North Queensland are fifth on the table, four points clear of the Warriors.
Warriors: 1-Kevin Locke, 2-Bill Tupou, 3-Ben Henry, 4-Konrad Hurrell, 5-Glen Fisiiahi, 6-James Maloney, 7-Shaun Johnson, 8-Russell Packer, 9-Nathan Friend, 10-Ben Matulino, 11-Lewis Brown, 12-Simon Mannering (c), 13-Elijah Taylor.
Interchange: Jacob Lillyman, Micheal Luck, Sione Lousi, Feleti Mateo, Steve Rapira.
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