17 Jul 2018

Maumalo back for Warriors

6:33 pm on 17 July 2018

Wing Ken Maumalo return from injury and prop James Gavet will end a long wait for his 50th NRL appearance when the Warriors' host the Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday.

Ken Maumalo of the Warriors is tackled during the NRL Rugby League match between Canberra Raiders.

Ken Maumalo of the Warriors is tackled during the NRL Rugby League match between Canberra Raiders. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Rookie Kiwi international Maumalo is back from a knee complaint after missing last Sunday's 26-6 win over Brisbane, while Gavet reaches his milestone almost six years since making his first-grade debut late in the 2012 season.

Maumalo's reappearance on the left wing is the only change to the starting line-up used in the victory over the Broncos.

Peta Hiku, switched to the left flank after originally being listed at right centre at Suncorp Stadium, has been moved to the interchange to make way for Maumalo.

Another change among the extra players is the inclusion of front rower Bunty Afoa, who has recovered from the elbow injury which forced him off the field against Cronulla on June 29.

Gavet has had a significantly disrupted and prolonged journey to the 50-game mark in a career which has involved stints at four clubs.

His debut for the Bulldogs against Brisbane in round 23 in 2012 was his only NRL appearance in two seasons with the Bulldogs. Injury hindered him in 2013.

A one-year stay with Wests Tigers delivered 12 appearances in 2014 before he moved to the Broncos. After playing in the opening round of the 2015 season his campaign was cruelly ended by an ACL knee injury in a training session.

Released from the last season of his contract with Brisbane, the former Junior Warrior returned to Auckland, first signed on a trial basis and then picked up for the 2016 season.

After making his club debut in round one he finished the year with 10 matches and added 13 last year. Sunday's battle against the Storm will be his 13th this year.

The Warriors sit seventh on the ladder with an 11-6 win-loss record, one of four teams on 24 points just two behind second-placed Melbourne.

The Storm have won the last five encounters between the two sides, including a 50-10 demolition in Melbourne at the end of April.