NRL: Patched up troops face battle

Last week Warriors coach Brian McClennan said he wasn't planning any "Churchillian speeches" as he attempted to pick his side up after the tough loss to Manly and the arduous trip home from Perth.

After what happened against Cronulla, and with a daunting trip to the graveyard that is Townsville's Dairy Farmers Stadium to come on Saturday night, McClennan might just be rehearsing a few fight-them-on-beaches lines.

Down on troops thanks to injuries to Ben Matulino (chest) and James Maloney - two of the better performers this season - McClennan will send out a patched-up side to face a Cowboys club that needs a victory to maintain its push for a top-four finish.

Maloney is expected to be out for one or two weeks with a medial ligament strain in his left knee, while Matulino's season could be over given the expected three-to-four week recovery time from a pectoral muscle tear.

"Losing both Jimmy and Ben is a setback," McClennan said.

"They're obviously important players for us but that's what happens ... it's now up to others to make the most of the opportunity."

Carlos Tuimavave has been named at five-eighth in place of Maloney.

Micheal Luck's return after a successful 80-minute hit-out for the Vulcans on Saturday provides a welcome injection of experience, while Konrad Hurrell - who spent much of last week in a moon boot - also returns to shore up the centres.

"Both Lucky and the medical staff are satisfied he has come through last Saturday's match in good shape and Konrad is also good to go again," McClennan said.

With Hurrell returning to the centres, Ben Henry reverts to the second row and Elijah Taylor moves to loose forward.

Having lost Matulino, McClennan has juggled his front row options by listing Jacob Lillyman and Sione Lousi as the starting props with Russell Packer named on a five-man interchange that includes Sebastine Ikahihifo, Luck, Steve Rapira and Sam Lousi.

Regular captain Simon Mannering is still recovering from an ankle sprain and isn't expected to play.