Loose forward Micheal Luck returns from injury to lead the New Zealand Warriors while winger Kevin Locke has been dropped for their National Rugby League (NRL) match against premiers the Melbourne Storm in Melbourne on Sunday.
Luck, who celebrates his 28th birthday tomorrow, was cleared to play again after breaking his right index finger, which forced him out of matches against the Bulldogs and Panthers.
While Luck returns, other senior injured players, captain Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Steve Price and Brett Seymour remain on the sideline.
With Jerome Ropati restored to full fitness - he was used off the bench in the heavy defeat to the Panthers on Sunday - coach Ivan Cleary has revamped the backline by pairing Ropati with Joel Moon in the centres and moving Brent Tate to the right wing replacing Locke.
Defensive lynchpin Luck fills his familiar loose forward's role once again, meaning Jacob Lillyman reverts to the second row, partnering Lewis Brown with Ben Matulino moved to the bench.
Also included on the bench is prop Russell Packer, who appeared for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup last Saturday. He replaces Jeremy Latimore who, along with Locke, is scheduled to play for the Vulcans this weekend.
"While we're not playing Nobby (Kevin Locke) against the Storm this weekend, he has a big part to play in this club's future," said Cleary.
"We all have high expectations of him but it's fair to say he's still learning to adapt to the demands of playing in the NRL on a weekly basis, which is a real challenge for all young players. We see this very much as part of his development."
Cleary said Luck's availability was a significant bonus.
"Lucky is such a key player in our mix with the work rate, passion and enthusiasm he provides," he said. "He hasn't missed too many games in his time with us but it has a major effect when he does."
The Warriors head to Melbourne with a three win-three loss record to face a Storm side just two points ahead of them after losing 16-18 to Manly in Melbourne last night.
"The Storm are a huge test at any time with the class they have throughout their lineup and now they'll be more difficult than ever having lost two matches on end," said Cleary.
"We have our own issues, though. We were well below expectations against Penrith last Sunday in what was a hugely disappointing performance for us in front of our home crowd. Our first half effort wasn't really acceptable. We didn't give ourselves a chance."
Tate, who'll be making his 148th NRL appearance on Sunday, needs just one more try for 50 in his career after scoring against Penrith last weekend.
Warriors: Wade McKinnon, Brent Tate, Joel Moon, Jerome Ropati, Bill Tupou, Lance Hohaia, James Maloney, Sam Rapira, Aaron Heremaia, Jesse Royal, Lewis Brown, Jacob Lillyman, Micheal Luck (captain). Interchange: Ian Henderson, Russell Packer, Ukuma Ta'ai, Ben Matulino.
