Freddy Lussick is set to start as the replacement hooker, with Jazz Tevaga added to the bench. Alongside Egan, Adam Pompey and Ali Leiataua were also omitted from the squad. Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita, however, have been retained for the game day.
Egan was originally included in the starting lineup announced on Tuesday but was later withdrawn. Andrew Webster, the head coach, has made only one alteration to the initially extended 22-man squad, bringing in Harris-Tavita for Jacob Laban. Harris-Tavita has recently returned appearing in the New South Wales Cup.
Despite a strong start in last game against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, the Warriors could not secure a win but showed promising performance indicators, such as an 81% completion rate and significant metre gains over their opponents.
The Melbourne game is notable not only for the lineup changes but also for the historical context: the Warriors are aiming to reclaim the Michael Moore Trophy from Melbourne, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2015. Melbourne has dominated past meetings, leading the series 32-16 with two draws, and the Warriors have not won in Melbourne since 2014.
