NRL: Kodi Nikorima in for Warriors NRL clash with Dragons, Issac Luke out of 17

Kodi Nikorima with Warriors fans. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

Kodi Nikorima will make his Warriors debut at his old home ground, while Kiwis hooker Issac Luke has been relegated out of the 17 to face the Dragons on Saturday.

They are the major talking points ahead of the Warriors trip to Brisbane for the NRL Magic Round, where they hope to halt a four match losing run.

Nikorima's inclusion at five eighth means he will become Warriors #236, just eight days after signing for the club.

It will be a strange feeling for the 25-year-old — running out at Suncorp Stadium, where he played almost 50 matches for the Broncos — and it's also a swift transition for the play maker, but his combinations forged with many Warriors on Kiwis duty over the last few years will help.

Luke's demotion is intriguing, with Nathaniel Roache named to start and Karl Lawton in the reserves. Luke was always going to face competition from Roache this season, while Lawton perhaps offers better utility value as backline cover on the bench.

Luke has had a difficult campaign, affected by injuries and a concussion and has only averaged 47 minutes across his six appearances. This week's selection appears to be form-related, with no indication of an injury.

"When we look at our performances prior to the weekend they have been pretty close ones and it is just a matter of changing the energy and dynamic of the group where I think it is going to suit us this week," Warriors coach Stephen Kearney told Radio Sport. "That's what I think is best for the team this week and that's why I've run with it."

Wing David Fusitu'a has again been named, as he continues his comeback from a rib injury sustained in round six. He's missed the last two games but Kearney is confident he will take the field in Brisbane.

"We want to get him every opportunity," said Kearney. "He's got better and better, he's running at top speed now and they've done a bit of contact. We will see how he pulls up but I anticipate he is going to be okay."

Without first choice goal kicker Chanel Harris-Tavita, and back up kicker Luke, Kearney said that Patrick Herbert is the nominated man from the tee, with Tohu Harris also an option.

Veteran forward Adam Blair will miss the trip after an early guilty plea was entered on the dangerous throw charge he faced from Sunday's match against Newcastle. Lachlan Burr also landed a dangerous throw charge in that defeat, but is free to play after an early guilt plea and no accumulated carry over points.

Utility Jazz Tevaga and prop Bunty Afoa are in line to return from leg injuries, while middle forward Ligi Sao could make his second appearance of the season, after being named in the 17.

Harris-Tavita is on the extended bench with utility Gerard Beale, prop Chris Satae and Luke.

Warriors

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)
2 David Fusitu'a
3 Peta Hiku
4 Patrick Herbert
5 Ken Maumalo
6 Kodi Nikorima
7 Blake Green
8 Agnatius Paasi
9 Nathaniel Roache
10 Leeson Ah Mau
11 Isaiah Papali'i
12 Tohu Harris
13 Lachlan Burr
Interchange:
14 Jazz Tevaga
15 Bunty Afoa
16 Ligi Sao
17 Karl Lawton
18 Gerard Beale
20 Chris Satae
21 Chanel Harris-Tavita
23 Issac Luke