LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a crucial NRL finals match, Jazz Tevaga is set to bring his energy back to the New Zealand Warriors as they face off against defending premier Penrith at BlueBet Stadium.
Tevaga, who recently turned 28, returns to the team after missing the last three games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury sustained in a victory over the Wests Tigers.
This injury setback adds to a season that has seen Tevaga limited to just eight appearances.
Despite these limitations, Tevaga has made a significant impact, with the Warriors winning six out of the eight matches he has played in.
Now, with the return of rested players for their final regular season match, head coach Andrew Webster has the luxury of calling upon his most experienced players for the first time this season.
Additionally, Jackson Ford, who previously came off the interchange, will now return to the starting lineup as a second rower, with Josh Curran moving back to the bench.
The stage is set for an intense battle as the Warriors aim to make a statement in their first NRL finals appearance in five years.