LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a stroke of luck for the NZ Warriors, two of their star players, Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, have been given the all-clear to return to the NRL battlefield.
Johnson is set to take the reins at halfback in the upcoming showdown against the competition leaders, Melbourne, at Go Media Stadium in what promises to be a titanic clash.
Having recovered from a pectoral injury sustained in the heat of battle against the Roosters in round 10, Johnson is ready to lead his troops into battle once more.
Meanwhile, Tuivasa-Sheck, who suffered a hamstring strain on the eve of the Roosters match, has also been included in the squad, albeit on the extended bench.
However, Head Coach Andrew Webster is cautiously optimistic, hinting that Tuivasa-Sheck may need another week of training to reach peak performance.
With only four players left on the injured list, the Warriors are slowly but surely returning to full strength.
Centre Ali Leiataua and utility Paul Roache are next in line for a triumphant return in round 18 as they continue to recover from ankle injuries.
As the Warriors gear up for their next battle, fans are hopeful that the return of Johnson and Tuivasa-Sheck will give them the edge they need to conquer the competition.