Warriors' Dally M favourite returns, rivals face injury plight

Jackson Hastings won’t make the trip to New Zealand after he suffered another ankle injury in the win over Canberra. Picture; Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Injury woes have hit three teams hard as they prepare for their must-win NRL semi-finals, while the Warriors have received a much-needed boost with the return of Dally M favourite Shaun Johnson.

The star halfback missed the Warriors' qualifying final loss to the Panthers due to a calf issue but has now been named to take on Newcastle in Auckland.

However, the Knights have been dealt a devastating blow with experienced playmaker Jackson Hastings ruled out after aggravating an ankle injury in their thrilling win over Canberra.

Melbourne Storm, on the other hand, have lost winger Xavier Coastes but have recalled Justin Olam and Reimis Smith for their clash with the Roosters.

The Roosters, however, have been forced into making multiple changes after losing four members of their first-choice backline to injury.

Johnson's return is seen as the biggest boost for the Warriors, who struggled without him and managed just six points in his absence.

Although there is still some doubt about his fitness, Dylan Walker is the likely replacement if Johnson doesn't recover in time.

Newcastle will also be without back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon, who is set to miss the trip to New Zealand due to a shoulder injury.

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