NZ Warriors star
Shaun Johnson is poised for a return to the field against Melbourne Storm, but centre
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be kept back for another week, as coach
Andrew Webster staggers changes to his in-form team.
Johnson has been sidelined a month with a shoulder injury suffered against Sydney Roosters, but was close to selection last week and will be named to make his comeback against the tabletopping Storm at Go Media Stadium on Saturday.
Webster suggests the time away has helped his veteran half return to near full health, after carrying a niggly Achilles injury for several weeks. Johnson was suiting up to play with very limited practice time under his belt, but his forced layoff may prove a blessing in disguise.
"He's got some really good reps over the past two weeks," said
Webster. "He trained well over the weekend and trained well again today.
The pec has healed up really well and the Achilles is tracking well too.
"There's always a silver lining, isn't there? You're forced to make decisions and those decisions end up being the right ones.
"You get to showcase somebody else and they're confident. The player returns with confidence and Shaun just wants to fit in with what the team needs - I think you've got a threat both sides of the field."
Johnson's absence has thrust more responsibility on halves partner
Te Maire Martin, who became the main playmaker in three straight wins against champions Penrith Panthers, the Dolphins and North Queensland Cowboys.
Webster is determined that Martin should continue to get the opportunities he has enjoyed during that streak, which was preceded by four consecutive losses, when things weren't quite clicking.
The veteran will team with Te Maire Martin in the halves.
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