Two additions ahead of round four clash hoped to inject life into New Zealand side.
New Zealand coach Matt Elliot has named Glen Fisiiahi and Sam Rapira in his side to host the North Queensland Cowboys at Mount Smart Stadium.
Glen Fisiiahi (family tragedy) returns on the wing, with Bill Tupou relegated to 18th man while Sam Rapira (hand) returns at prop, replacing brother Steve Rapira (ear, round seven) in the only other change.
Elliot will be looking for improved showings from Feleti Mateo and Shaun Johnson with the pair disappointing in their last-start loss to Cronulla.
New Zealand hosts an equally desperate Cowboys side, which is coming under serious pressure to live up to their competition heavyweights tag.
North Queensland were blown off the park in the second half last weekend by Newcastle, with the Cowboys often their own worst enemies.
Poor completion rate and missed tackles eventually gave the Knights too many scoring chances, something they can ill-afford to do against the top sides in the competition.
WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Ngani Laumape, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino, Ben Henry, Simon Mannering (capt), Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Pita Godinet, Bill Tupou
COWBOYS: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Johnathan Thurston (capt), Michael Morgan, Matt Scott (capt), Scott Moore, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Ashton Sims, Scott Bolton, Jason Taumalolo, Blake Leary
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