NRL: Laumape makes way for Nielsen

Warriors Ruben Wiki makes a break down the field against the Penrith Panthers back in 2006. Photo / Wayne Drought

Former Queensland State of Origin representative Dane Nielsen has been brought into the centres for the Warriors' match against Penrith at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday.

With incumbent Ngani Laumape facing suspension on a grade-three dangerous throw charge, Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden has confirmed a return for Nielsen after last appearing against St George Illawarra on April 19.

The forced swap is the only change McFadden has made to the line-up used in the 19-10 win over Brisbane, a result which has lifted the Warriors to 10th on the table. They are alone on 16 points, just behind four teams on 18 points.

"With Ngani on the sideline, Dane has his chance to play in the NRL again," said McFadden.

"He has been working hard on his game in the New South Wales Cup. He gives our left edge plenty of experience and we'll certainly need it against a Penrith side that has been travelling really well this season."

Nielsen's selection for Laumape sees the same bench of Feleti Mateo, Suaia Matagi, Ben Henry and Charlie-Paul Gubb.

The Warriors will seek to take their record into the black for the first time on Sunday - eight wins and seven losses - but face a Panthers side which beat them both home and away last year.

Manu Vatuvei makes his 185th career appearance this week, drawing level with Lance Hohaia on the club's all-time list. Only Stacey Jones (261), Simon Mannering (202) and Logan Swann (195) have played more games for the Warriors.

Konrad Hurrell will play his 49th match on Sunday.