KEY POINTS:
After another week of disappointment on the road, Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has made little change to his side for this weekend's match - but wide-reaching changes have been flagged if there is no improvement against the Roosters on Sunday
Only wing Michael Crockett has been dropped, Cleary having few options , given the side's injury list. But by listing a seven-man bench including two newcomers, Cleary yesterday showed he wants pressure on the starting XIII as he seeks an answer to their slow starts and dismal away record.
Out go Crockett and centre Ryan Shortland who played against the Panthers. Wairangi Koopu is also out..
Michael Witt is over the groin problem he suffered after a mis-kick in the Canberra game and returns to provide some stability at five-eighth as well as a better kicking game.
Aidan Kirk comes back to take Crockett's spot after two one-off appearances earlier this season and Brent Tate is named at centre, which assumes he comes through tonight's State of Origin in one piece.
On an extended bench are second rower Ben Matulino and wing Malo Solomona, both of whom would be making their debut if they play.
Solomona has been in the Warriors' system for three years and is now listed under the salary cap in the top-25 squad, so it was always intended he would get an NRL start sometime this season. Matulino was under the Warriors guidance from afar last year. He moved from Wellington this season and has been a standout performer for the new under-20s side.
Also on the bench are under-20s teammates Russell Packer and Sonny Fai, showing the value the Warriors are already getting from the new Toyota Cup as a feeder competition - and showing local players there is a path to the NRL that does not involve moving to Sydney.
Their captain Steve Price is listed as "not far away" but no risks will be taken with an early return because the type of injury he suffered is prone to recur.
Ruben Wiki, named on the bench as vice-captain but with question marks over his recent form, will watch Price's recovery and return with interest. Wiki has been looked to as a source of leadership during the regular captain's absence. Price's return could put pressure on Wiki's place in the side.
The Roosters have four players in tonight's Origin game, captain Craig Fitzgibbon, Willie Mason and Anthony Tupou with New South Wales and Nate Myles with Queensland. All are named for Sunday's match at Mt Smart. They field five players of New Zealand origin, Kiwis Sam Perrett, Setaimata Sa, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Iosaia Soliola and former Warrior Frank-Paul Nuuausala.
The Cowboys yesterday extended the contract of prop Carl Webb for another two seasons through 2010. Ian Millward is expected to be appointed as coach, replacing Graham Murray.
Penrith rookie Sam McKendry faces two weeks on the sideline after being charged with dropping his knee on a player during the game against the Warriors. Souths' David Kidwell will escape punishment for a "chicken wing" tackle because of a good record.
