NRL: Shaun Johnson ruled out of tonight's Roosters match

The Warriors have been hit with injuries with star halfback Shaun Johnson and prop James Gavet both out of tonight's NRL clash against the Sydney Roosters.

The Herald understands Johnson did not make the trip to Sydney and will miss the game at Allianz Stadium with a groin strain, while Gavet suffered a hamstring injury yesterday prior to the side flying across the Tasman, although the extent of both injuries remains unclear.

Back-up half Mason Lino is set to start in place of Johnson in his first NRL game of the season against new Roosters recruit and former Storm halfback Cooper Cronk.

The loss of Johnson in particular is a huge blow to the side's attacking hopes, with the 27-year-old enjoying a purple patch of form across the Warriors three season opening wins over the Rabbitohs, Titans and Raiders.

The absence of Gavet means the Warriors will be further down on forward power and without two of the front-rowers that have featured in the past three games, with Sam Lisone serving a one-match ban.

A post on the club's website says Gavet's replacement is still to be confirmed while bench forward Bunty Afoa is listed in his place among the the starting side in the NRL's updated team lists.

Along with Gavet, wing Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was the other player cut from the extended 21-man squad last night, with coach Stephen Kearney due to confirm his final 17 an hour before kick-off.

The onus will be on new recruits Adam Blair and Tohu Harris to lead the way for the visitor's forwards, along with hooker Issac Luke, while new five-eighth Blake Green's experience will be vital in steering the side around the park.

The understrength Warriors go into tonight's match looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season following wins over the Rabbitohs, Titans, and Raiders.

Last week's dramatic 20-19 last-minute win over Canberra was the first time in the club's 24-year history that they have won their opening three matches, and they will hope to continue to break new ground with a fourth-straight victory over one of the premiership favourites.

In 38 encounters with the Roosters since 1995, the Warriors have a 21-16 winning advantage with one draw.

Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also looking to maintain his unbeaten run against his former club, with the Warriors having won their past three games against the Tri Colours, following a 14-13 victory at Mount Smart Stadium last year, and a tense 12-10 win at home and 32-28 golden point win in Gosford in 2016.

After being stunned 10-8 by Wests Tigers in the opening round, the Roosters rebounded with convincing wins over the Bulldogs (30-12) and Newcastle (38-8) to sit in fourth spot on the NRL ladder just behind the Warriors.

Sydney Roosters v Warriors at Allianz Stadium, 7.30pm

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 5. Blake Ferguson 4. Joseph Manu 3. Latrell Mitchell 2. Reece Robinson 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner (c)12. Ryan Matterson 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Mitchell Aubusson 18. Nat Butcher 21. Lindsay Collins

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. David Fusitua 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Shaun Johnson 17. Bunty Afoa 9. Issac Luke 10. Agnatius Paasi 11. Leivaha Pulu 12. Tohu Harris 13. Adam Blair
Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Ligi Sao 16. Chris Satae 18. Mason Lino 20. Anthony Gelling 21. Albert Vete

Referees: Henry Perenara, Ashley Klein.