The Warriors have lost another star player ahead of kick-off with fullback Taine Tuaupiki ruled out  to be with his partner for the birth of their first child.

The news comes after Addin Fonua-Blake was stood down for breaching club standards and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was ruled out with illness.

NRL Late Mail: Round 12

Warriors v Dolphins, Sunday at Go Media Stadium

Warriors: More changes for the home side with Taine Tuaupiki ruled out due to the imminent birth of his first child which sees Dallin Watene-Zelezniak shift to fullback and Edward Kosi called up from the reserves to start at wing. Freddy Lussick has also been reverted to the bench ahead of kick off with Paul Roache named to start at hooker after being promoted from 18th man. The news comes after Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was ruled out earlier on Saturday due to illness after he had been switched to centre to replace Rocco Berry, who was a late withdrawal after initially being named to return from a hand injury. Moala Graham-Taufa will make his club debut in the centres. His only other NRL appearance was for Souths in 2021 when he took the field as 18th man. Marata Niukore starts at prop in his return from a foot injury after the club announced on Thursday that Addin Fonua-Blake has been stood down for Round 12 following a breach of club standards. 

Dolphins: A late shuffle sees Mark Nicholls revert to the bench, Felise Kaufusi named to start at prop and Connelly Lemuelu join the run-on side at second row. Lock Max Plath's return from concussion protocols pushes Kenny Bromwich to the bench.

This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com