Second rower Eddie Ieremia-Toeava will make his debut in a One New Zealand Warriors lineup showing multiple changes for tonight’s round 22 clash against the Dolphins at Go Media Stadium (8.00pm kick-off; match day sponsor: Gatorade).
After being 18th man several times, the 20-year-old Ieremia-Toeava will become Warrior #293 when he is injected into the match from the bench.
Elsewhere head coach Andrew Webster has made a number of changes.
Taine Tuaupiki, originally named on the bench, will start at fullback with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad switched to the centres.
That results in captain Kurt Capewell moving out of the centres and back into the second row while Marata Niukore will start at prop.
The final interchange bench comprises Jacob Laban, Freddy Lussick, Tanner Stowers-Smith and Ieremia-Toeava. Winger Edward Kosi is 18th man.
The Warriors have eight frontline players unavailable – captain James Fisher-Harris, prop Demitric Vaimauga, hooker Wayde Egan, standoff Chanel Harris-Tavita, front rower Mitchell Barnett, halfback Luke Metcalf and centres Rocco Berry and Ali Leiataua. Between them they account for more than 750 NRL appearances.
In Fisher-Harris’ absence Queenland Origin winner Capewell leads the side, rookie hooker Sam Healey comes in for his third NRL appearance this season replacing Egan and Te Maire Martin moves off the bench to start in the halves for Harris-Tavita.
The Warriors find themselves in a similar injury predicament to the one they endured in the corresponding match against the Dolphins in round 12 last year when they overcame a huge injury toll to win 24-20.
Despite last Saturday’s setback against the Titans the Warriors remain fourth on the ladder on 30 points, three points ahead of the fifth-placed Penrith.
The Dolphins are eighth on 24 points coming off a bye following a 43-24 win over the Cowboys.