LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Team Update: Squad Trimmed
The NZ Warriors have made their final squad selections for round 14 of the NRL, where they will face the Cronulla Sharks at Sharks Stadium in Sydney.
The game kicks off at 5:30 PM local time (7:30 PM NZT).
Fullback-winger Taine Tuaupiki and former Sharks hooker Sam Healey have been retained in the 19-man game day squad.
However, prop Tom Ale, halfback Tanah Boyd, and centre Ali Leiataua have been omitted from the extended bench just 24 hours before the match.
The Warriors are also feeling the loss of co-captain Mitchell Barnett, who suffered a season-ending knee injury after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the first half of last Sunday's game against the Rabbitohs.
Barnett was making his 49th appearance for the club at the time of the injury.
In addition to Barnett, centre Rocco Berry is sidelined, which has led to Kurt Capewell being selected to start in the centres for the fourth time this season.
Capewell has previously filled this role to cover injuries, including the recent game against the Rabbitohs, when Berry exited the field.
With Capewell moving to the centres, Leka Halasima is set to start in the second row, alongside back rower Jacob Laban, who is included on the interchange.
The bench will feature rookie front rower Tanner Stowers-Smith, middle forward Demitric Vaimauga, and utility Te Maire Martin.
Overall, the Warriors, currently positioned in third place, face a challenging encounter with the fifth-placed Sharks amid their injury struggles.