LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a key development for the NZ Warriors, NRL veteran Bunty Afoa will start in the front row for the first time this season during their round 10 match against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
The game is set for 5:30 PM local time (7:30 PM NZT).
Afoa, at 28 years old, is making his 144th career appearance and has recently been used off the bench, averaging only 15 and 11 minutes in his last two outings against Newcastle and North Queensland.
Afoa's promotion to the starting lineup sees Jackson Ford moved to the bench, joining Te Maire Martin, Demitric Sifakula, and Jacob Laban.
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava has been confirmed as the 18th man.
Unfortunately for the team, a desired return for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been ruled out, as he was one of three players to drop from the extended squad at the 24-hour deadline.
Tuivasa-Sheck was initially named in the reserves as he aimed to recover from a hamstring injury sustained since March.
Additionally, Leiataua will remain sidelined due to an injury suffered in training just two days ahead of the Magic Round match, and he is expected to return between rounds 13 and 14.
Rocco Berry, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, is scheduled to make his comeback in rounds 14-15.