NRL: Shaun Johnson ruled out of Roosters clash

Mason Lino will again become the main man for the Warriors on Saturday.

Shaun Johnson has again been sidelined, for the fourth time in what has been an injury interrupted first third of the season, ruled out of the clash with the Roosters due to an ankle injury.

The halfback was always an unlikely starter — and will probably be touch and go for the following week's trip to Parramatta — but Lino has already proved himself a capable deputy this season.

The 24-year-old Lino will make his fourth appearance of 2018, after previously filling in at No 7 against the Roosters, North Queensland and Melbourne.

But while Johnson is out, there is good news for the two other high profile players also injured last Saturday.

Issac Luke has been named at hooker, despite dislocating his shoulder in the 26-4 win over the Tigers while Adam Blair is also expected to start, despite an ankle complaint.

"Adam is fine and will play," said Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney.

"We gave Issac every chance to play last week after injuring his knee against Melbourne and he came through. Once again, we'll give him every opportunity this week."

While Blair is a certainty, Luke appears less likely. He has had a long history of shoulder dislocations in his career and there will be a temptation to make sure he is fully healed, given his long term importance to the team.

There will also be confidence in Karl Lawton's ability to deliver, after his stunning two try cameo appearance against the Tigers.

There's one change on the extended bench with utility Jazz Tevaga (shoulder) back after he was unavailable last week.

The Warriors (second) face another tough examination this week. The Roosters, who started the season as one of the premiership favourites, are currently sixth on the ladder and will be desperate to avenge their surprise 6-30 loss to the Warriors in Sydney earlier this year.

Overall, the Warriors have fashioned a solid record against the Roosters. This will be the 40th contest between the two sides with the Auckland team boasting a 22-1-16 win-draw-loss record. The only two current sides they have had a better run against are Gold Coast and South Sydney.

In 18 meetings at Mount Smart Stadium between the two sides, the Warriors have won 12 and lost six. They have had a sequence of four consecutive victories home and away since 2016.

Warriors v Sydney Roosters
5.00pm, Saturday, May 12, 2018
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Warriors
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)
2 David Fusitu'a
3 Peta Hiku
4 Solomone Kata
5 Ken Maumalo
6 Blake Green
7 Mason Lino
8 Bunty Afoa
9 Issac Luke
10 Agnatius Paasi
11 Simon Mannering
12 Tohu Harris
13 Adam Blair
Interchange
14 Karl Lawton
15 Sam Lisone
16 Isaiah Papali'i
17 James Gavet
18 Sam Cook
20 Jazz Tevaga
21 Albert Vete
22 Anthony Gelling
Four to be omitted
Coach | Stephen Kearney