League: Price only change to winning Warriors

Ruben Wiki

The Warriors will be seeking their fourth straight win for the first time since 2003 and their third win over a side depleted by State of Origin call-ups when they take on Penrith at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night.

The Warriors lose their captain Steve Price to the Queensland State of Origin side but he is ably replaced as skipper by Ruben Wiki and in the starting line-up by Evarn Tuimavave. Sam Rapira, 19, makes his fourth NRL appearance from the bench.

Otherwise it is the side that thrashed Souths 66-0, though it will be much harder on Saturday night.

"We've had a good run lately because the players have sustained a good level of performance and consistency in the last four matches," said coach Ivan Cleary.

"It was certainly pleasing to see the players stick to the game plan against South Sydney and to play out the full 80 minutes but you have to move on quickly from matches like that."

The Panthers lose their play-maker Craig Gower to the Blues and elusive fullback Rhys Wesser to Queensland plus captain Tony Puletua to a rib injury suffered in the 24-20 win over Wests Tigers last weekend, a much bigger handicap than that for the home team.

Centre Luke Lewis shifts in to five-eighth and Preston Campbell is the halfback.

Teams for game at Ericsson Stadium, Saturday night

NZ Warriors: B. Webb, P. Ah Van, T. Martin, S. Mannering, M. Vatuvei, J. Ropati, G. Rovelli, R. Wiki (capt), N. Fien, E. Tuimavave, A. Guttenbeil, L. Anderson, S. Faumuina. Interchange: L. Hohaia, S. Rapira, W.Koopu, M. Luck.

Penrith Panthers: N. Youngquest, M. Gordon, D. Galea, L. Hookey, L. Rooney, L. Lewis, P. Campbell, J. Clinton, L. Priddis (capt), C. Stapleton, M. Cross, L. Swain, T. Waterhouse; interchange F. Puletua, B. Norrie, M. Bell, P. Aiton, C. Trindall 18th man.