Shaun Johnson returns for Warriors

Halfback Shaun Johnson has been named to start for the Warriors in their NRL pre-season game against the Dolphins at Mt Smart Stadium this Saturday after suffering a pre-season ankle injury.

Johnson will start in the halves alongside Luke Metcalf, with Te Maire Martin in the wider reserves.

First-choice fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will miss the pre-season match due to a moderate hamstring strain which is expected to keep him out of the opening three rounds of the NRL season.

Filling his spot is 2023 rookie Taine Tuaupiki, who started at fullback against the Tigers in Christchurch.

The Warriors will meet the Dolphins at 4.45pm Saturday.

In other pre-season matches this week, the Rabbitohs will meet the Roosters at 7pm Friday, the Sharks will face the Bulldogs at 9pm Friday, the Storm will take on the Knights at 2.45pm Saturday at Lautoka’s Churchill Park, the Sea Eagles will play the Broncos at 6.55pm Saturday, the Dragons will take on the West Tigers at 9.05pm Saturday, the Raiders will face the Cowboys at 4pm Sunday and the Titans will meet the Eels at 6pm Sunday.

Source: RNZ Sports