The Warriors have made minor adjustments to the team which beat the Sharks ahead of their clash with Penrith at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night while the Panthers have named new recruit Richie Williams.
Williams, who fell out of favour at the Dragons after mouthing off at
Braith Anasta and was released, signed a two-seaon deal with the Panthers on Monday. He trained with them for the first time yesterday and is named on a five-man bench.
Tony Martin returns to the Warriors at right centre.
Not considered were Ruben Wiki (ribs) and Jerome Ropati (ankle) while Michael Crockett who returns from suspension will turn out for the Auckland Lions.
Todd Byrne goes to fullback for the Lions and Lance Hohaia is captain for the curtainraiser.
"It's tough on Todd because he did a really good job for us against the Sharks," said Warriors coach Ivan Cleary. "Tony had received a couple of knocks so we decided to rest him and Todd gave us exactly what we were looking for.
"The previous week, Lance didn't have such a good game against the Storm but he went back to premier league and showed he was a cut above the others."
* Rooster Craig Wing has signed a four-year deal with former club Souths. The Dragons have signed Ben Hornby and Jason Ryles for three years. Eels skipper Nathan Cayless is out for a month with a broken bone in his hand.
WARRIORS vs PANTHERS
Mt Smart Stadium, 8pm Friday
WARRIORS
1. Wade McKinnon
2. Patrick Ah Van
3. Tony Martin
4. Simon Mannering
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Michael Witt
7. Grant Rovelli
8. Evarn Tuimavave
9. Nathan Fien
10. Steve Price (c)
11. Louis Anderson
12. Logan Swann
13. Micheal Luck
Interchange: George Gatis, Sam Rapira, Epalahame Lauaki, Wairangi Koopu.
PANTHERS
1. Rhys Wesser
2. Michael Gordon
3. Michael Jennings
4. Luke Lewis
5. Nick Youngquest
6. Maurice Blair
7. Craig Gower (c)
8. Joel Clinton
9. Paul Aiton
10. Frank Puletua
11. Junior Moors
12. Tony Puletua
13. Nathan Smith
Interchange: Tim Grant, Frank Pritchard, Keith Peters, Geoff Daniella, Richie Williams.
