Departing utility Lance Hohaia will make his return after a month on the sidelines to help continue the Warriors' push for the NRL top four.

Hohaia, who will join St Helens next season, will start off the bench against Penrith on Saturday night.

It will be his first appearance since being sidelined with a knee injury after the Warriors' win against Canterbury in round 19.

The former Kiwi Test star played for Auckland in the NSW Cup on Saturday, scoring a try and laying on another two for fullback Glen Fisiiahi.

Hohaia replaces Pita Godinet, who has been on the bench for the past four weeks.

Backrower Elijah Taylor also makes his return to the squad after being rested last weekend.

He replaces Ukuma Ta'ai, who faces suspension after being charged with a grade two striking offence following last Saturday's win over Newcastle.

Ta'ai has taken an early guilty plea on the charge but will dispute the grading at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.

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