NRL: Hurrell returns to tackle Roosters

Konrad Hurrell will return for the Warriors when they tackle the Roosters. Photo / Getty

Centre Konrad Hurrell will return for the Warriors as they look to recapture their winning form against the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night.

The blockbusting 23-year-old has been brought straight back in after serving a three-game suspension for the raised knee that broke Cronulla forward Anthony Tupou's jaw, one of six changes to the side that was humbled 36-4 by South Sydney in Perth last Saturday.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden is excited to have Hurrell back on deck and hopes he can add some power and zest to the backline.

"It's timely to have Koni back and I can't say enough about how hard he has worked while he has been on the sideline," he said.

"He's leaned up in his short time off so he can give us some kind of x-factor."

The Tongan international has worked hard on changing his controversial running style during his month-long absence and put himself through extra training sessions with two former Warriors' greats.

"This is the best shape I've ever been in in my career so I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully it will work well for me," said Hurrell.

"It's just been good for myself to get fit and fast. I've been doing some training at boxing alley with Monty Betham, on the weekends, and doing some more training with Ruben [Wiki] and the team. I'm ready to go."

Hurrell admits it has been difficult to alter his natural running style and says it's important he maintains his power and momentum without trying to further propel himself into the defensive line.

"It was a bit weird when I first started training and doing it," he said. "I'd run and stop and try and turn my body but I've just got run through it and I'll be sweet. I just need to put the knee down."

Meanwhile, the Warriors starting pack will again be without prop Jacob Lillyman (Queensland) and back-rower Ryan Hoffman (New South Wales) who will sit out the match ahead of next week's second State of Origin clash.

Filling their spots will be rookie front-rower Albert Vete and back-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner, who makes his second appearance after debuting as the club's 200th first grade player in their Anzac Day defeat to the Gold Coast.

Vete's promotion sees Charlie Gubb come onto the interchange bench, the 25-year-old set to play his first NRL game this season and the seventh of his career stretching back to 2013.

Fullback Sam Tomkins is on track to play after missing the Rabbitohs match but is still troubled by his injured left knee and will be monitored as the week progresses, while Hurrell replaces Johnathan Wright and the versatile Tui Lolohea joins the interchange in place of Siliva Havili.

"Albie (Vete) and Sam (Lisone) have been really good for us this season and now Albie has the chance to find out what it's like starting an NRL game," said McFadden. "Ray has earned his starting spot through his efforts for our New South Wales Cup side as has Charlie on the interchange.

"With Sam (Tomkins) we're hopeful he'll get through the week and be ready to come back for this game. That results in Tui moving onto the interchange where he can cover a number of positions for us."

Warriors team to face the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night:

1. Sam Tomkins, 2. Ken Maumalo, 3. Konrad Hurrell, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. Chad Townsend, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Albert Vete, 9. Nathan Friend, 10. Ben Matulino, 11. Bodene Thompson, 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 13. Simon Mannering (c).

Interchange: 14. Tui Lolohea, 15. Sebastine Ikahihifo, 16. Sam Lisone, 17. Charlie Gubb, 18. Jonathan Wright.