Kata, Lolohea back in lineup

Solomone Kata and Tuimoala Lolohea are back in the Warriors’ side for Sunday’s game against Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium.

Kata missed last weekend’s 34-6 loss to the Cowboys with a hamstring injury, while Lolohea was relegated to the reserve grade NSW Cup team.

But for a match where the Warriors’ fate could already be decided before the game kicks off, coach Andrew Mcfadden has been able to bring back two of his best attacking players for the round 25 games.

Kata comes back into the side for Matt Allwood, while Lolohea replaced the injured winger Ken Maumalo.

Lolohea needed to find his confidence after a poor performance in the NRL two weeks ago against the Rabbitohs and Mcfadden admitted after that game that it was tough for a player to adapt to playing fullback.

But he will return in the No 2 jersey, which should mean he won’t have as many responsibilities cleaning up on defence at the back.

‘‘Having Sol back is a huge plus for us,’’ said Warriors assistant coach Andrew Webster.

‘‘He’s been outstanding all season so it’s great having him back to face the Tigers.

‘‘It’s disappointing losing Ken because he’s been doing a great job for us but we all know what Tui can do when he’s on his game.’’

While the coaching staff and players were hugely disappointed with the performance in the 6-34 loss to the Cowboys, Webster said there were some positive aspects.

‘‘We showed some real resilience in the face of adversity.

‘‘We had so little possession due to the errors we made but still hung in and managed to defend well for long periods,’’ he said.

While the Warriors need to win both of their remaining games to have any chance of finishing the season in the top eight, they also need the Titans to lose their next two games.

The Titans take on the Panthers in the Gold Coast on Saturday and if they win that game, the destiny of the Warriors and the Tigers, who both have 24 competition points will already be decided.