NRL: Warriors welcome back Mannering

Simon Mannering returns to face the Brisbane Broncos in Auckland on Saturday. Photo / Getty Images

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has resisted the urge to wield the selection axe for Saturday's NRL clash with the Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium.

He's made a couple of slight changes to the side that was embarrassed by the Dragons in Hamilton last Friday but the biggest inclusion is reliable lock Simon Mannering's return from a hamstring injury.

Mannering, the side's vice-captain, has been sorely missed the past couple of weeks and returns to anchor the side's middle.

James Gavet, celebrates re-signing with the club for a further two seasons, by moving back into the starting line-up while Albert Vete is included on the interchange bench having not been required since the opening rounds.

Kearney has opted for nine-man bench that includes Tui Lolohea, Ligi Sao, Toa Sipley and Mason Lino. It gives him plenty of options to swap any of those players in closer to game day.

Jacob Lillyman is unavailable with the Queensland State of Origin side while prop Charlie Gubb has been dropped.

"We certainly missed Simon's presence in our last two matches," said Kearney.

"He adds a lot to our group and it's good to have him back this week.

"With Jake [Lillyman] out through Origin, James slots back in to the starting front row and Albie [Vete] has earned his opportunity with his performances for our ISP side."

Still out of contention are centre Solomone Kata and Manu Vatuvei, both recovering from calf injuries.

Meanwhile the club has finally announced the signing of free agent Titans forward Leivaha Pulu. The New Zealander has signed on for the next three NRL seasons.

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Charne Nicoll-Klokstad, 3. Blake Ayshford, 4. David Fusitua, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. James Gavet, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Ben Matulino, 11. Bodene Thompson, 12. Ryan Hoffman, 13. Simon Mannering. Bench: Nathaniel Roache, Sam Lisone, Albert Vete, Bunty Afoa, Tui Lolohea, Toa Sipley, Ligi Sao, Mason Lino (to be reduced for four on game day).