Rugby League: Blake Green named to start but must prove fitness

Blake Green at Mt Smart Stadium. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Blake Green is named at halfback for the Warriors' sixth-round NRL clash against North Queensland at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday but still has to prove his fitness.

The veteran 32-year-old missed last Saturday's 28-24 loss to South Sydney after going down with a leg injury in the warm-up ahead of the Sunshine Coast contest.

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is hopeful treatment will have the key playmaker fit to be reunited with rookie standoff Chanel Harris-Tavita to take on the Cowboys.

Kearney said while Green is a chance of returning against the Cowboys, he would need to prove his fitness.

"We are giving [Green] an opportunity this week, it'll just depend how he pulls up over the next couple of days. He is moving better and getting around better," he said.

Another feature of the squad announced yesterday is the inclusion of hooker Nathaniel Roache on the extended eight-man bench. Roache has been sidelined with a leg injury since his impressive try-scoring performance in the club's season-opening 40-6 win over the Bulldogs.

Interchange prop Bunty Afoa will bring up his 50th milestone appearance for the club this week in his sixth outing in a row this season.

The Warriors will be seeking to even their ledger with their third win of the season.

The Cowboys start the game on the back of four straight losses. They opened their campaign with a home win over St George Illawarra but have since lost away to Brisbane 10-29 followed by three home defeats to Cronulla 16-42, Canberra 12-30 and Melbourne 12-18.

Warriors v Cowboys

Saturday, 7.30pm, Mt Smart

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Blake Green, Agnatius Paasi, Issac Luke, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Lachlan Burr. Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Bunty Afoa, Isaiah Papali'i, Nathaniel Roache, Leivaha Pulu, Gerard Beale, Patrick Herbert. (Four to be omitted).