Bunty Afoa has been promoted to the Vodafone Warriors’ starting line-up for Saturday’s clash against the Manly Sea Eagles in Perth after veteran second-rower Ryan Hoffman was ruled out with a foot injury.
Originally named on the bench, 20-year-old Afoa’s elevation to the starting side sees Ligi Sao included in the reserves alongside Ata Hingano, Albert Vete and James Gavet.
The loss of Hoffman is the only change to the Vodafone Warriors’ starting side, meaning first-choice stand-off Kieran Foran will make his return to action at nib Stadium after being sidelined for last week’s win over the Bulldogs with a leg injury.
Mason Lino has been named as the 18th man.
VODAFONE WARRIORS v MANLY SEA EAGLES
nib Stadium, Perth
7.30pm (NZT), Saturday, July 1
VODAFONE WARRIORS
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)
2 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
3 Blake Ayshford
4 David Fusitu’a
5 Ken Maumalo
6 Kieran Foran
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Jacob Lillyman
9 Nathaniel Roache
10 Ben Matulino
11 Bodene Thompson
15 Bunty Afoa
13 Simon Mannering
Interchange
14 Mafoa’aeata Hingano
16 Albert Vete
17 James Gavet
20 Ligi Sao
18th Man Mason Lino
Head coach Stephen Kearney
