Warriors bench Hiku for Maumalo

Peta Hiku is to make way for the returning Ken Maumalo in the only change to the Warriors’ starting side for Sunday’s NRL home clash against the Storm.

Hiku bounced back from a horror night against the Panthers two weeks ago with a strong display on the left wing in Sunday’s 26-6 win over the Broncos.

But with Maumalo back from a knee complaint, the Kiwis international has dropped to the interchange bench with Gerard Beale preferred at right centre, where Hiku was originally named last week before a late switch.

Anthony Gelling moves out of the 17 as a result. However, he has been retained on the extended bench which includes prop Bunty Afoa, who has made an earlier than expected recovery from a dislocated elbow.

Afoa suffered the injury during the loss to the Sharks three weeks ago.

The 21-year-old has been one of the club’s most improved players this season and his possible return would strengthen the forwards ahead of what is sure to be a physical encounter against the second-placed Storm.

Fellow front-rower James Gavet, meanwhile, makes his 50th NRL appearance this weekend, six years after his debut.

The Warriors sit seventh on the ladder with an 11-6 record, one of four teams on 24 points, just two behind Melbourne.

The Storm have won the last five games against the Warriors and will welcome back State of Origin stars Billy Slater, Josh Addo-Carr, Will Chambers, Cameron Munster and Felise Kaufusi.