Great news for Warriors fans - Wade McKinnon is making his long awaited return after sitting out most of the season with a knee injury.

McKinnon was the Warriors best buy last year, and also proved to be our best attacking weapon.

His return has come at a crucial stage in the season, with the Warriors on the verge of making the top eight. While their loss to the Rabbitohs didn't help their cause, they can still make the playoffs - but they really can't afford to drop another game.

Lance Hohia has done an outstanding job filling in for McKinnon at fullback, but with McKinnon fit and ready to play, you just can't leave him on the sidelines. Hohia drops to the bench, where he can cover the halves, hooker and fullback.

Also returning to first grade is Michael Witt, who has been playing with the Auckland Vulcans for the past few weeks. Witt will play at halfback, which means Grant Rovelli drops out of the side.

This week the Warriors take on the Brisbane Broncos at Mt Smart, and if recent clashes between the two sides are anything to go by, then this one should be a classic.

This will be the first time that new Warrior Brent Tate will face off against his old club - he'll be looking to show his old team mates a thing or two.

It's also an opportunity for Warriors fans to check out Denan Kemp, who will be joining the club next year. The other Warriors signing, Joel Moon, will travel with the Broncos as the eighteenth man.

Aidan Kirk is ruled out of the game due to the injury he suffered against Souths. Kirk has been in fine form since making his debut earlier in the year, but with big Manu Vatuvei back, the Warriors are fielding a near full-strength side.

Malo Solamona will come back into the side in place of Kirk.

The Warriors are currently sitting in 12th position, but can leap into the top eight with a win this Saturday.

Go, lads!