Luke and Kata back to boost Warriors

The Warriors will be boosted by the return of Issac Luke and Solomone Kata for their NRL clash with the Penrith Panthers in Auckland on Friday night.

First-choice hooker Luke missed the round 17 loss to Manly in Perth with a shoulder injury, while centre Kata was absent for two games following the death of his brother in Tonga.

Luke comes in for young Nathaniel Roache, who has an injured hamstring, with Kata’s availability putting Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad back onto an extended interchange bench.

Prop Albert Vete was also ruled out with injury, his broken arm meaning Sam Lisone comes back onto the bench, while Bunty Afoa will again start in the second-row as veteran Ryan Hoffman continues his recovery from a foot injury.

The NRL has given the Warriors special dispensation to include departing club legend Manu Vatuvei on the team list, although Ken Maumalo will actually start on the left wing in jersey 21.

Mount Smart Stadium will also be temporarily renamed Manu Vatuvei Stadium for the night in honour of the winger, who is heading to the English Super League to link up with Salford.

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney was pleased to regain the services of Kata and Luke for the round 19 match against a Panthers side placed ninth on the ladder, one spot above the his team.

‘‘It’s certainly been a tough time for Solomone and his family and our thoughts and prayers go out to them,’’ he said. ’’We are really happy to have him back and I know he’s very keen to play.

‘‘Issac’s shoulder has healed well and he’s ready to rip in too.’’

A veteran of 226 games for the Warriors, Vatuvei’s new contract precludes him from being able to play against the Panthers.