NRL: Lino set to make Warriors debut

Mason Lino. Photo / Jason Oxenham.

Playmaker Mason Lino has been called up to make his NRL debut for the Warriors in tomorrow's clash with the North Queensland Cowboys at Mt Smart Stadium.

The 21-year-old will replace five-eighth Chad Townsend who has been unwell all week and was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night.

Lino will form a fledgling halves combination with rookie halfback and fellow Marist club-mate Tui Lolohea as they line up against Cowboys skipper and Johnathan Thurston and five-eighth Michael Morgan.

"Chad hasn't trained all week and he's still not right so we made the call to bring in Mason," said Warriors coach Andrew McFadden.

"He has been doing a terrific job for (coach) Stacey Jones in our New South Wales Cup side and deserves this.

"It's a massive moment and opportunity for him. We had his mum and dad in this morning to present his first jersey to him and tomorrow he has the chance to make his debut in front of them as well as the rest of his family and friends plus our members and fans.

"We're all excited for him in what will be our last home game of the season."

Lino was co-captain when the Junior Warriors won the NYC premiership last year. He finished his time in the competition with a record 503 points from 62 appearances (only Ben Henry with 64 and John Palavi with 63 have played more NYC games for the club).

The Avondale College old boy was set to take up a contract with AS Carcassonne in France last year but ultimately needed shoulder surgery instead and was given an opportunity to remain with the Warriors.

After a long recovery, he made his first NSW Cup appearance of the year against Manly in May. He had his 12th outing of the campaign in Saturday's 20-16 win against Wests Tigers, scoring a try and kicking four goals from four attempts - and being named man of the match - to take his tally for the season to 90 points.