All eyes will be on Krisnan Inu when he makes his debut for the Warriors against Wests Tigers in NRL action on Saturday night.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has gone out of his way to hose down claims of a rift between himself and the club's star signing, after Inu was left out of his round one team.

Cleary claims a quote which seemed to indicate Inu had been involved in an incident behind closed doors, was in fact taken out of context.

Inu will line up on the wing in place of Manu Vatuvei who will miss a number of weeks with a knee injury.

The former Parramatta utility back said he won't be wasting his opportunity.

"Manu's injury is a big disappointment for all of us and I really feel for him," said Inu, who turns 24 on Thursday.

"But I'm also excited to have the chance to make my debut for the club. I've got to make the most of this chance because there's so much competition for spots in the side."

Exciting youngster Isaac John will deputise for the suspended James Maloney at five-eighth, while Jeremy Latimore comes onto a five-man bench at the expense of Steve Rapira.

Chase Stanley's misfortune at suffering a season-ending knee injury has opened the way for Melbourne's new man Beau Champion to make his anticipated debut against the Gold Coast.

Champion was rested from the season-opener with a calf strain, but the centre who has been touted as having State of Origin potential, will add plenty to the Storm's backline.

"He runs really good lines, he's deceptively fast and his defence, we're working on it," said Champion's former Souths team-mate and now Melbourne assistant coach, David Kidwell.

"He's just a good talker too, he's chomping at the bit to play which is a good sign."

Josh Morris has surprisingly been named in Canterbury's side to face Souths, despite a knee injury which is expected to sideline him for up to a month.

The Rabbitohs have elevated Eddy Pettybourne and Dave Tyrrell to their starting side in place of injured duo Sam Burgess and Ben Lowe.

Queensland representative Michael Crocker and utility Chris McQueen have been added to their bench, in place of Scott Geddes (Achilles).

Shannon McDonnell is on standby for Newcastle fullback Kurt Gidley who is fighting a back injury to be fit to play North Queensland on Saturday night.

Workhorse Matt Hilder will take Isaac De Gois' (broken thumb) position at hooker, while Cameron Ciraldo comes into the Knights starting side for Neville Costigan (broken arm).

Paul Whatuira gets the chance to make his Parramatta debut and line up against his old club Penrith on Friday night, in place of the injured Chris Walker.

Manly's injury crisis has been assuaged by Will Hopoate's earlier than expected return from a shoulder problem.

Hopoate will take Jamie Lyon's place in the centres, David Williams makes his long-awaited return to first grade on the wing, while George Rose will start in place of the suspended Jason King.

Todd Carney and Matt Orford have been named to make their returns for the Roosters and Canberra respectively.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP