Shaun Johnson has been confirmed to make his return from injury in the Redcliffe-based Vodafone Warriors’ much-anticipated local derby against the Brisbane Broncos at Moreton Daily Stadium on Saturday (2.00pm kick-off local time; 5.00pm NZT).
Side-lined for the last three weeks after a first-round pectoral complaint, Johnson came through training strongly during the week to reclaim the halfback’s role in the unfamiliar jersey #24.
Kodi Nikorima, who started at halfback in last week’s 16-12 win over the Wests Tigers, moves to the interchange bench while left-footed kicked Chanel Harris-Tavita remains at standoff running the left side of the team’s attack.
There is another change in the backline.
Young centre Rocco Berry hasn’t been able to train this week after being struck down with a virus.
“He hasn’t tested positive for Covid but he has just had no energy in him,” said Vodafone Warriors assistant coach Stacey Jones.
“When a player can’t train, especially a young guy like Rocco, it’s a big ask to play him in an NRL game when he hasn’t had the right preparation.”
In his absence, Adam Pompey, who has started on the right wing the last two matches, moves into the centres for his 37th first-grade match with 2021 rookie winger Edward Kosi brought in from the extended bench for his sixth NRL appearance. Kosi played for feeder club Redcliffe last weekend, making 183 metres from 18 runs to help the Dolphins to a last-minute 13-12 win over 2021 Queensland Cup premiers Norths Devils.
Match: Warriors v Broncos
Round 4 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Reece WalshFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tesi Niu
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Winger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo MontoyaWinger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates
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Centre for Warriors is number 2 Adam PompeyCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
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Centre for Warriors is number 3 Jesse ArtharsCentre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
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Winger for Warriors is number 25 Edward KosiWinger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
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Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-TavitaFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Albert Kelly
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Halfback for Warriors is number 24 Shaun JohnsonHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
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Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-BlakeProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
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Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde EganHooker for Broncos is number 9 Jake Turpin
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Prop for Warriors is number 10 Matthew LodgeProp for Broncos is number 14 Thomas Flegler
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Euan Aitken2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Keenan Palasia
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 13 Josh Curran2nd Row for Broncos is number 16 Teui Robati
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Lock for Warriors is number 14 Jazz TevagaLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
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Interchange for Warriors is number 7 Kodi NikorimaInterchange for Broncos is number 8 Ryan James
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Interchange for Warriors is number 12 Eliesa KatoaInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Kobe Hetherington
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Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Bunty AfoaInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Billy Walters
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Interchange for Warriors is number 20 Ben Murdoch-MasilaInterchange for Broncos is number 23 Brenko Lee
Reserves
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Replacement for Warriors is number 17 Jack MurchieReplacement for Broncos is number 20 Corey Jensen
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall
Last updated:
The Vodafone Warriors’ starting forward pack has also been adjusted with in-form Josh Curran moved to the right edge and Jazz Tevaga coming into loose forward.
Eliesa Katoa has been switched to the interchange while Ben Murdoch-Masila comes back onto the bench for his second appearance of the season. Faced with a lengthy recovery from a serious Lisfranc foot injury, Murdoch-Masila has regained match fitness playing for Redcliffe the last two weeks.
As well as Berry, new signing Aaron Pene has been ruled out with a shoulder injury this week but is expected to be available next week. The other players omitted from the extended 24-man squad 24 hours out from kick-off are forwards Pride Petterson-Robati and Valingi Kepu plus winger Junior Ratuva.
Jack Murchie has been confirmed as 18th man.
