The Warriors have dropped centre Konrad Hurrell for Saturday's National Rugby League match against St George Illawarra in Wellington.
Konrad Hurrell Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hurrell's been replaced by Jonathan Wright in the only change to the side that lost to Cronulla last weekend at Mount Smart Stadium.
The Warriors have slipped to ninth following three straight defeats.
Front-rower Charlie Gubb has been named to play an NRL match in his hometown for the first time.
Gubb was used in the New South Wales Cup side when the Warriors took an NRL home game to the Capital for the first time in 2013, and again last year.
But this time the 25-year-old Wellington College old boy will be in the top grade side, playing in front of family and friends alongside fellow local rugby league products Simon Mannering and Ben Matulino.
Gubb, a product of the University Hunters club in the Capital, will appear in just his sixth game this season and the 12th of an NRL career which started in 2013.
"We couldn't be more pleased for Charlie now he has the chance to play an NRL game at home," said Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden.
"It's been great having him back in the side with the energy he gives us... His mix of energy and aggression rubs off not only on the players but also on the fans. They have really taken to Charlie in a big way and we know he'll be keener than anyone to get out onto the field against the Dragons on Saturday."
Seasoned back rowers Ryan Hoffman (calf) and Bodene Thompson (ankle) are still sidelined.
Warriors:
1 Sam Tomkins
2 Ken Maumalo
3 Jonathan Wright
4 Solomone Kata
5 Manu Vatuvei
6 Chad Townsend
7 Tuimoala Lolohea
8 Jacob Lillyman
9 Nathan Friend
10 Albert Vete
11 Ben Matulino
12 Simon Mannering (captain)
13 Sebastine Ikahihifo
Interchange:
14 Siliva Havili
15 Sam Lisone
16 Charlie Gubb
17 Raymond Faitala-Mariner
18 Dominique Peyroux