Warriors player Luke Metcalf celebrates with Shaun Johnson Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Luke Metcalf will partner Shaun Johnson in the halves for the Warriors NRL season opener against the Sharks at Mt Smart on Friday night.
Taine Tuaupiki starts at fullback replacing the unavailable Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad while forward Marata Niukore is also missing, ruled out with a minor foot fracture picked up in the second pre-season trial.
Making his return to the NRL after a two-and-a-half year absence is Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who'll line up in the centres for his 112th club appearance.
Of the starting pack used in last year's preliminary final against Brisbane, the only change is in the second row where Kurt Capewell comes in alongside Jackson Ford.
The interchange bench comprises hooker Freddy Lussick plus middle forwards Tom Ale and Bunty Afoa and utility Dylan Walker.
With Metcalf starting Te Maire Martin has been named on the bench.
Warriors team to play Sharks:
1 Taine Tuaupiki
2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3 Rocco Berry
4 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5 Marcelo Montoya
6 Luke Metcalf
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Addin Fonua-Blake
9 Wayde Egan
10 Mitchell Barnett
11 Jackson Ford
12 Kurt Capewell
13 Tohu Harris (c)
Interchange:
14 Freddy Lussick
15 Tom Ale
16 Bunty Afoa
17 Dylan Walker
Extended bench:
18 Adam Pompey
20 Jazz Tevaga
21 Te Maire Martin
22 Ali Leiataua
23 Jacob Laban
