Harris, Green return to boost Warriors
The Warriors have been boosted by some significant inclusions for Sunday’s NRL clash against the Titans, but will be without senior forward Adam Blair as he serves a one-game ban.
Back-rower Tohu Harris and five-eighth Blake Green both return from injury, while hooker Issac Luke has been named to start despite failing to finish last weekend’s 12-6 defeat to the Storm due to a calf problem.
It’s welcome news for the Auckland club as it looks to solidify its place in the top eight with the resurgent Wests Tigers just four points behind.
Harris returns four weeks after suffering a knee injury against Cronulla. The 26-year-old back-rower had surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee and slots straight into the starting side for the trip to the Gold Coast.
Green, who missed the Storm game with a rib injury, was always expected to return this week. Peta Hiku was too, but the backline utility has only been included on the extended bench after shaking off a hand injury
He has been joined by forward Leivaha Pulu, who played his first game in 14 weeks on Sunday in reserve grade after recovering from a foot injury.
Prop Sam Lisone has also been called into the playing 17 for the first time since the round 10 defeat to the Roosters in May.
Lisone, who will make his 10th appearance of the season, has earned a recall after an impressive performance against Wyong.
The 24-year-old ran for 144m from 16 carries while making 24 tackles in 43 minutes on the field.
The Warriors, one of three teams on 24 points, sit eighth on the table with six games left in the regular season. But there is little between the top eight sides on the ladder with just four points separating them from first place.
They should go into the match with plenty of confidence having won 14 of their last 15 games against the Titans, who are out of finals contention after losing their last three games.