Warriors: Unchanged side for Newcastle

Louis Anderson in his Warrior days. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has had the rare luxury of naming an unchanged team for their National Rugby League (NRL) match against Newcastle in Auckland on Sunday.

For once, injury and form issues have not forced Cleary to make changes as the Warriors look to build on their impressive 37-10 win over Cronulla in Sydney last weekend.

Kiwis international Sam Rapira, a late addition to face the Sharks after overcoming injury, is again on the interchange bench while Ian Henderson is set to start at hooker with Aaron Heremaia on the bench.

Also on the bench as a front row option is former Queensland State of Origin forward Jacob Lillyman, who is eyeing his third NRL outing since returning from a long injury layoff.

The Knights head to Auckland buoyed by impressive back-to-back successes against Manly and Canterbury.

"They've hit some great form over the last couple of weeks to make a late charge for the finals," Cleary said of the 10th placed Knights, who are four points and two places behind the Warriors on the standings.

"They throw so much at you with their attack. They'll be very difficult to contend with on Sunday."

Cleary said his side would need to step up again after playing so well against Cronulla.

"Our effort against Cronulla was really pleasing. It was professional and accurate, as it needed to be for us to win there.

"We have to prepare well again this week to ensure we're at the same standard otherwise we'll be in for a difficult time."

The Warriors enter the match in eighth place on 26 points, a total shared by sixth-placed Manly and seventh-placed Brisbane, teams they play in the next fortnight.

New Zealand Warriors: Lance Hohaia, Bill Tupou, Brent Tate, Joel Moon, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Brett Seymour, Ben Matulino, Ian Henderson, Russell Packer, Simon Mannering (captain), Lewis Brown, Micheal Luck.

Interchange: Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Sam Rapira, Ukuma Ta'ai.

- NZPA