New faces thrust into the hot seat, SJ racing the clock
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A handful of players rarely sighted at NRL level this year will assume key roles in their club's biggest game of the season in Finals Week Two, while Shaun Johnson is set to be a huge inclusion for the Warriors.
Adam Clune will make just his fourth first-grade appearance of the year on Saturday night, taking charge of the Knights in the No.7 jersey at what is set to be a sold-out and intimidating Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
First-choice halfback Jackson Hastings was left out of the Knights' squad on Tuesday, having last week aggravated the ankle injury which saw him miss the last three games of the regular season.
At the Roosters Paul Momirovski will appear at NRL level for the first time since Round 9, coming in to partner Corey Allan in the centres following the loss of Kiwi superstar Joey Manu (hamstring) and Billy Smith (jaw).
Winger Jaxson Paulo – used just once by coach Trent Robinson in the second half of this season – will also run out as a replacement for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who failed a HIA in last week's 13-12 win over the Sharks.
Johnson meanwhile looks a good chance of taking on the red-hot Knights in Auckland, after withdrawing from the Qualifying Final loss to the Panthers last week as a precaution following a calf issue picked up at training.
The winning moment: Johnson
Having been directly involved in more than a third of the Warriors' 101 tries this season, the 32-year-old was missed dearly against Penrith and will be desperate to be part of the club's first home final in 15 years.
The absent stars aren't the only injury concerns, with the Knights also missing experienced back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon, who has been unable to overcome a lingering shoulder problem and is replaced by rookie Dylan Lucas.
Also not named after picking up an injury last week is Maroons wing Xavier Coates, who despite being hopeful of overcoming a high ankle issue on Monday, hasn't been included in the Storm's 22-man squad.
That sees Reimis Smith called up to make the third NRL Finals appearance of his 103-game career.
