Lance Hohaia's spell in NRL purgatory is over after just one week with the New Zealand Test star rushed back into the Warriors side for Saturday night's meeting with the Sydney Roosters.

Hohaia - one of several first team regulars to pay the price for the Warriors shocking start to the season by being dropped for last week's win over Cronulla - will return on the bench for the demoted Kevin Locke.

The Kiwi Test fullback had been due to play with the Auckland Vulcans last weekend but was a late withdrawal after succumbing to a knee injury.

The week off obviously did him the world of good with coach Ivan Cleary recalling the 27-Test veteran after he proved his fitness at training on Wednesday - but he will have to settle for a spot on the bench with the impressive Glen Fisiiahi retaining the No.1 jumper.

Warriors officials denied Locke's involvement in a police investigation regarding an alleged sexual assault had anything to do with the 22-year-old's demotion to the Vulcans.

After reinventing his squad for the much-needed win over Cronulla, Cleary has made only minor adjustments to his team to take on the Roosters, with Hohaia's recall coming on the back of international Sam Rapira being added to the starting side in place of Russell Packer.

"We had quite a few changes the week before, so continuity should be a little better this week," Cleary said.

"I thought our defence was a bit sloppy in the first half and things like kick-chase and our line wasn't up to the standard we would like.

"Our attack showed some good signs, but we still can improve our kicking game.

"The pleasing part of the win was coming back from being down at halftime and, after losing three games in a row, it's good to see the boys hang in there and grind out a win."

Mt Smart Stadium will hold no fears for the Roosters, who have won three of their last six games there, with last year's grand finalists starting to find their feet after a sputtering opening month of he season.

"We are still building on our performances, but last week we removed the defensive lapses and silly penalties that had been letting us down," Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello said.

"We feel like we are on a bit of a roll now and if we keep up the intensity in our defence and don't give away silly offloads in attack we are a big chance of getting the two points."

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