The New Zealand Warriors will be out for revenge when they take on NRL leaders Manly on Sunday.

With the Warriors losing four of their last five games they will be desperate for a win against the top-of-the-table Sea Eagles, who memorably thumped the Warriors 52-6 in round three.

The New Zealand team will be boosted by the return from injury of winger Manu Vatuvei, sidelined April, and five eighth Michael Witt.

"They made it tough for us over there so we have just got to do the same over here ... We have got a chance to give it back to them," Vatuvei said at training this week.

Because of the incoming talent the Warriors have moved Aidan Kirk to the right wing to replace Michael Crockett, and Nathan Fien has been moved into halfback. Grant Rovelli has been named as 18th man.

Coach Ivan Cleary told journalists he was positive about his team's chances against Manly.

"If we put our best foot forward then it gives us a chance against anyone," Cleary said.

"Obviously Manly are one of the top sides and have run into some good form and you know, have all their troops on board, so it will be a tough ask," he said.

He said it was a tough decision to make the changes to his team, but he thought it was for the best.

"I just sort of felt that it was time for a change and maybe just a change can spark us into a bit better performance," Cleary said.

"We are always up to play football so we just hope that that combination can, you know, just bring us a bit more, I don't know, just change the role a bit and just show up some different things."

Captain Steve Price said he was sure Nathan Fien would do a good job at halfback.

"It is unfortunate for Grant to not be there, but that is the NRL and the coaches have to make tough decisions, and they have obviously felt that is the right thing for this week," Price said.

Price told AAP if the Warriors would be boosted by the return of key players, and if they were to win the match his boys need to focus.

"We obviously look at little bit at Manly and what they do, but the biggest thing we have been focusing on mainly is what we do well," he said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP