New Zealand Test fullback Lance Hohaia has paid the price for the Warriors' poor start to the NRL season with coach Ivan Cleary swinging the selection axe for Sunday's clash against Cronulla.

Hohaia was one of three players dumped following the 25-12 loss to St George Illawarra on Sunday, with the side to meet the Sharks bearing little resemblance to the one which went down to the premiers.

The Warriors are winless this year after starting with a 24-18 defeat to Parramatta before falling 20-12 to the Wests Tigers.

Skipper Simon Mannering and utility Shaun Berrigan will form a new centre combination against the Sharks, with Glen Fisiiahi replacing Hohaia in the No.1 jumper.

Off-season recruit Feleti Mateo has been shifted to five-eighth with James Maloney sliding over to halfback for the axed Brett Seymour.

Just three of the forward pack that started against the Dragons retained their position, with Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman and Ukuma Ta'ai all coming into the side.

Bill Tupou replaces the benched Kevin Locke on the wing, Locke is joined by Test pair Sam Rapira and Ben Matulino plus Elijah Taylor and Alehana Mara on an extended interchange list.

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