Warriors: Price, Locke set to return

Steve Price is expected to lead the Warriors against St George-Illawarra this Sunday. Photo / Getty Images

Captain Steve Price and winger Kevin Locke are both set to return for the New Zealand Warriors' 20th-round National Rugby League match against competition leaders St George Illawarra in Auckland on Sunday.

Price missed last weekend's 30-24 win against the Roosters after being knocked out in Queensland's loss to New South Wales in the final State of Origin clash while Locke was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Price's return for his 90th NRL outing for the Warriors sees Russell Packer reverting to the bench along with Patrick Ah Van, who makes way for Locke after scoring one of the side's six tries against the Roosters.

There has also been a change in the second row with Ben Matulino coming into the starting line-up for Jacob Lillyman who joins Packer, Ah Van, Lewis Brown, Lance Hohaia and Jesse Royal on a six-man bench.

Cleary said the performance against the Roosters had provided some encouragement.

"The most pleasing aspect was obviously to get the win but it was also good to see us scoring more points than we have for a while," he said.

"While that gives the players some confidence we know we'll face a huge challenge on Sunday, though.

"The Dragons have had an outstanding season and we'll need to be at our very best to compete with them."

The match will bring up hooker Ian Henderson's 50-game milestone in the NRL, his 42nd game for the Warriors after eight earlier appearances for the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta.

Utility back Ah Van is also in line to play his 50th match.

The Warriors lost 11-12 when they played the Dragons in Wollongong in May.

- NZPA