NRL: Latimore returns to Warriors for Roosters clash

Jeremy Latimore will rejoin the Warrior's for this weekend's clash with the Roosters at Mount Smart Stadium. Photo / Supplied

Front rower Jeremy Latimore is set to play his first NRL game of the year after being named in the Warriors' squad for Saturday night's fifth-round encounter with the Sydney Roosters at Mount Smart Stadium.

The 24-year-old, who made 16 first-grade appearances for the club last season, has been called up after impressing for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup.

Forward Russell Packer will turn out for the Vulcans, making way for Kiwi international Sam Rapira to return to the first grade line-up.

Hooker Alehana Mara will also turn out for the Vulcans again after being the Warriors' 18th man against the Sharks with second rower Matt Robinson (21) being rewarded for his good form in the New South Wales with a spot on a five-man bench.

The line-up is otherwise unchanged from the one used in the Warriors' 26-18 victory over the Cronulla Sharks in Taupo on Sunday, their first win of the 2011 season.

"The best part about the effort against the Sharks was the win. It was one we needed but we all know there are a lot of aspects of our performance which will need to improve against the Roosters this week," said Warriors coach Ivan Cleary.

Full Warriors line-up for Saturday's match:

Glen Fisiiahi, Bill Tupou, Shaun Berrigan, Simon Mannering (captain) Krisnan Inu, Feleti Mateo, James Maloney, Sam Rapira, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Lewis Brown, Ukuma Ta'ai, Micheal Luck. Interchange: Kevin Locke, Jeremy Latimore, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor, Matt Robinson.

- NZ HERALD STAFF