Lolohea back in starting side

Tuimoala Lolohea is back in the starting line-up for the Warriors.

The talented young utility, the subject of much conversation lately after his reduced game-time in recent weeks, has been named to run out at fullback for the round 21 NRL clash with the Penrith Panthers in Auckland on Saturday.

Lolohea, 21, takes over at fullback from David Fusitu’a, who will move into right centre as Blake Ayshford drops to the bench.

The only other change to the starting side sees the return of experienced prop Ben Matulino alongside fellow veteran Jacob Lillyman with James Gavet moving to the interchange with Ayshford, Sam Lisone and Jazz Tevaga.

The Warriors return to Mt Smart Stadium for the first time in four weeks, their last home appearance being the 27-18 win over the Gold Coast Titans to celebrate Simon Mannering’s 250th NRL appearance.Since then they have had their second bye and suffered the disappointment of back-to-back golden point losses to Manly in Perth (14-15) and the Raiders in Canberra (22-26).

After two long road trips they now enter the last six rounds of the regular season with a programme built around four home games against the Panthers, South Sydney, Wests Tigers and Parramatta; their last two away clashes take them to Robina to face Gold Coast and Townsville to take on defending champion North Queensland.

The match against Penrith is the 38th between the two clubs with the Panthers holding a 21-15 edge overall with one match drawn. The Warriors lost this year’s ‘away’ match against the