Warriors veteran Simon Mannering will mark a rare double in Sunday’s NRL clash with Newcastle in Auckland, his 200th match will also be his 100th as captain.
Mannering will lead the side out for its first home game of the season at Mt Smart after earlier matches were played at Eden Park and Wellington.
The 27-year-old is named in an unchanged backline from the side that beat Gold Coast 24-16, but halfback Shaun Johnson is in doubt with an ankle injury and has been bracketed with Tuimoala Lolohea.
“Shaun is still 50-50. We’ll give him until Thursday or Friday and, if he’s not fit, Tuimoala will make his debut,” coach Andrew McFadden said.
Mannering, who is the most capped Warrior behind the 261-match Stacey Jones, debuted in 2005 and was made captain in 2010.
A knee injury in 2009 ended a run of 92 games straight for the side.
“I hope we get a big crowd because it would be a fitting tribute to Simon,” McFadden said.
“He has stood out in my time here as a leader. He’s a true warrior, so to speak, and deserves all the support for the contribution he makes to this club.”
The Warriors, 12th on the NRL ladder, have a good record against the 15th-placed Knights, having won 12 out of 16 matches since 2005 and six out of the last seven.
The match will be Nathan Friend’s 50th for the club.
Suaia Matagi is named to start in the front row while veteran prop Sam Rapira will come off the bench after a month-long lay-off with a back complaint.
Kevin Locke wasn’t available because of an ankle injury.
Warriors: Sam Tomkins, David Fusitua, Konrad Hurrell, Ngani Laumape, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Nathan Friend, Suaia Matagi, Jayson Bukuya, Ben Matulino, Simon Mannering (capt). Interchange (from) Siliva Havili, Sam Rapira, Feleti Mateo, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Tiumoala Lolohea, Agnatius Paasi.