NRL: Warriors coach rings the changes

Konrad Hurrell of the Warriors breaks through the Raiders defence during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders. Photo / Getty Images.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden has rang the changes for Saturday's clash with Gold Coast in Robina, with four alterations to the match day squad.

After two games starting in the second row, Ben Matulino is back in the front row with Ben Henry coming out of the centres to take Matulino's place in the back row.

Henry's spot in the centres goes to Ngani Laumape, who was used on the wing against Canberra and Canterbury-Bankstown, with Kevin Locke shifted off the bench for his first start of the season on the right wing.

Back in the squad on a five-man bench is debutant Kiwi hooker Siliva Havili after two appearances with the club's New South Wales Cup side.

He's included with prop Suaia Matagi, back rower Feleti Mateo, utility Sebastine Ikahihifo and prop Nathaniel Peteru.

The Warriors have built up a strong record against the Titans over the last three seasons. After losing six in a row to them in 2008, 2009 and 2010 they have won the last six across the last three years although the margins in both clashes last year were just one point in Auckland and two points in Robina.

Captain Simon Mannering will move within one match of two major milestones, making his 199th NRL appearance and his 100th game as captain. It leaves him set to achieve the twin landmarks in what is his 10th NRL season and the club's 20th in existence when the Vodafone Warriors meet Newcastle in their first home game of the year at Mount Smart Stadium on June 1.

Meanwhile, utility forward Sione Lousi is sidelined after being forced off the field on Sunday with a knee injury, his outlook is far more positive than first feared. Scans have eliminated another serious injury to the right knee he had surgery on last year. It's expected he will be back in three to four weeks.

Warriors side to face the Bulldogs in Hamilton
1 Sam Tomkins, 2 Kevin Locke, 3 Konrad Hurrell, 4 Ngani Laumape, 5 Manu Vatuvei, 6 Chad Townsend, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 Jacon Lillyman, 9 Nathan Friend, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Jayson Bukuya, 12 Ben Henry, 13 Simon Mannering (c). Interchange:14 Siliva Havili, 15 Suaia Matagi, 16 Feleti Mateo, 17 Sebastine Ikahihifo, 18 Nathaniel Peteru