Warriors winger Ken Maumalo will start his first NRL game of the year against the Roosters this week, after consistent performances for the club's reserve grade side.
That the major talking point of the team named for Sunday's match, which also sees fellow youngster Toafofoa Sipley in line for his second first grade appearance.
The 21-year-old Maumalo has been biding his time, as coach Andrew McFadden has consistently preferred other options as back up to Manu Vatuvei. But Maumalo finally gets his chance to impress this season with Vatuvei expected to be out for up to a month after a hamstring strain suffered in the 50-14 win over the Knights.
It's a well earned opportunity. Maumalo has scored nine tries in 10 Intrust Super Premiership matches this year, as the Stacey Jones-coached team have stormed to the top of the ladder. It's also quite a turnaround; a few weeks ago Maumalo was believed to be close to agreeing terms with the Dragons, before the Warriors took up an option on him for the 2017 season.
His selection might also be evidence of a changed approach. Up until now McFadden has opted for the likes of Jonathan Wright or Matthew Allwood, principally seen as solid players who will defend well. Maumalo has been working on his defence since the start of the season - and has improved - but brings much more on attack. In the absence of Vatuvei, the 1.91m, 105kg Maumalo will offer metres and momentum, particularly when the Warriors bring the ball out of their own territory.
