LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL debut of Wellington-raised second rower Jacob Laban has been confirmed by the warriors.kiwi site, as the young talent gears up to make his mark in the fierce battlefield of the National Rugby League.
Laban, a 19-year-old Randwick Kingfishers junior, will bring his raw talent and hunger for success to the field today as the New Zealand Warriors face off against South Sydney at Accor Stadium.
Laban, who has shown promise as the 18th man in previous games, will now step up to the plate and officially become Warrior #286.
His inclusion in the lineup comes as a replacement for the seasoned back-up hooker Freddy Lussick, who took to the field earlier in the day for the club's New South Wales Cup side in their clash against the Rabbitohs.
Meanwhile, in a strategic move that harks back to the glory days of Rugby League, milestone man Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warrior #203) will be taking on a new role in his 200th career appearance.
The dynamic player, usually seen commanding the fullback position, will be shifting to the right wing in a bid to fill the shoes of the injured try-scoring ace Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
As the Warriors prepare to do battle on the field, fans can expect a display of grit, determination, and a touch of the unexpected.
With Laban poised to make his mark and Tuivasa-Sheck embracing a new challenge, the stage is set for a showdown that will keep Rugby League enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.