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Reece Walsh
Photo: Photosport
Fullback Reece Walsh and standoff Kodi Nikorima both return from injury lay-offs along with rookie centre Rocco Berry.
Together starting props Addin Fonua-Blake and Lodge will give the Warriors one of, if not, the biggest front rows in the club s history; the 189cm Fonua-Blake weighs in at 123kg, the 191cm Lodge 117kg.
With Lodge starting, the seasoned Kane Evans moves to the bench alongside fellow props Bunty Afoa, Leeson Ah Mau and Ben Murdoch-Masila.
Lodge, who has made 77 appearances for the Wests Tigers and Brisbane in his disrupted career, provides a major selection boost at a challenging time.
Sky Sport
For the second time this season the Storm have scored 42 points against the Warriors. It was not until the round six game against the Dragons that he made it on to the field for the Warriors this year and over his six appearances he has brought plenty of energy to the Warriors team, and scored tries against the Sea Eagles and Eels. Earlier this season, Warriors coach Nathan Brown questioned whether Curran wanted to be a professional footy player, hinting perhaps that Curran was not pushing himself enough. For a while, it looked like Curran would be one of those players who picks up a few games in the NRL but spends most of his career playing reserve-grade footy, then eventually gives up the game.
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Bunty Afoa has been a popular figure at the Warriors since making his NRL debut with the club in 2016. Afoa has played in all but one of the Warriors’ games this season and was in the starting team against the Raiders, Roosters and Wests Tigers. He has had a solid season for the club, with his ability to run strongly from kick returns an asset to the team. Off the field, Afoa remains a popular figure and he has impressed the coaches with his good work ethic, all of which went in his favour when negotiating his future.