Warriors look to Lolohea to replace Johnson

Tuimoala Lolohea is set to step into the shoes of Shaun Johnson. Photo / Getty

New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew McFadden has turned to the versatile Tuimoala Lolohea to replace Shaun Johnson.

Lolohea will join Chad Townsend in a new halves combination to face the Cronulla Sharks after Johnson was ruled out for the season after suffering a broken fibula and partially dislocated ankle in the Warriors' loss to Manly last weekend.

The 21-year old Lolohea has already started at fullback, in the centres and on the wing so far this season, but now gets the nod as the full-time number seven after spending 55 minutes in the role against Manly once Johnson left the field.

"Tui was a natural choice in the halves. He has trained there throughout the season when Shaun and Chad have missed training sessions," said McFadden.

Despite Johnson's injury being perceived as a big blow for the Warriors' finals chances, the plagued playmaker insisted that his replacement can step into the role with ease.

"If I was out or Sammy Tomkins or Chad, anyone could come in and fill that role. We're blessed that we can prepare for that," said Johnson.

"I'm really gutted that I'm out but I don't want anyone to lose faith in the side and think the season is over."

Although Johnson's absence is the biggest blow to the side, McFadden has also been forced to make changes in the back row with Bodene Thompson out with an ankle injury and Ryan Hoffman not yet recovered from his calf complaint picked up in the final State of Origin match earlier this month.

As a result, captain Simon Mannering is moved from loose forward to operate on the edge with Ben Matulino switching from prop to start in the second row. Sebastine Ikahihifo will take over in the number 13 jersey after an impressive display in the New South Wales Cup last weekend.

However, there is positive news regarding the outside backs, with Manu Vatuvei and Konrad Hurrell returning to provide powerful ball-running, while Ken Maumalo is recalled to start on the right wing.

"In Manu, Konrad and Ken we have three powerful runners back in the mix. We've really missed Manu's carries out of defence over the last few weeks, Ken has just come off four tries in a match and we all know what Koni [Hurrell] can do," noted McFadden.

Several changes on the bench have been made as well, with props Charlie Gubb and Sam Lisone joining Siliva Havili and Raymond Faitala-Mariner while Sione Lousi and Jonathan Wright have been named as well.

With the Warriors sitting perilously in eighth spot, Loholea will have to make an instant impact against a Cronulla side which has won six of their last seven encounters.

Warriors team to face the Sharks:

Sam Tomkins, Ken Maumalo, Konrad Hurrell, Solomone Kata, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Tuimoala Lolohea, Jacob Lillyman, Nathan Friend, Albert Vete, Ben Matulino, Simon Mannering, Sebastine Ikahihifo.

Interchange: Silivia Havili, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Charlie Gubb, Sam Lisone, Sione Lousi, Jonathan Wright (two to be omitted)