Warriors captain Steve Price and winger Kevin Locke are set to return in Sunday's clash with NRL leaders St George Illawarra in Auckland.

Price missed last weekend's 30-24 win over the Sydney Roosters after being knocked out in Queensland's State of Origin loss to NSW while Locke was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Price's return sees Russell Packer reverting to the bench along with Patrick Ah Van, who makes way for Locke after scoring one of the side's six tries against the Roosters.

Ben Matulino comes into the backrow for Jacob Lillyman who drops to a six-man bench.

Cleary said the performance against the Roosters had provided some encouragement as his side battles to keep its season alive.

"The most pleasing aspect was obviously to get the win but it was also good to see us scoring more points than we have for a while," Cleary said.

"While that gives the players some confidence we know we'll face a huge challenge on Sunday, though.

"The Dragons have had an outstanding season and we'll need to be at our very best to compete with them."

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