MILTON-ULLADULLA'S Jack Murchie has been rewarded for his strong showing off the bench for New Zealand last round by being promoted to the starting side this weekend against Manly-Warringah.
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In just his second appearance for 2021, Murchie played 60 minutes off the bench against the Roosters on Sunday, where he made 83 running metres, 30 tackles and one tackle break.
The Warriors' forward-pack reshuffle sees Tohu Harris move out of the back row into prop alongside Leeson Ah Mau, while the Batemans Bay-born Murchie replaces Bayley Sironen in the second-row - with Jazz Tevaga shifting across to lock.
The clash on Friday at Central Coast Stadium will pit Murchie up against former Gerringong teammate Reuben Garrick, who will start on the wing for the Sea Eagles.
Cobargo's Morgan Boyle is sidelined for Manly due to a shoulder injury sustained last round against the Panthers.
The Lions pair headlined a handful of South Coast products who will be in action for their respective NRL sides during round five of the 2021 premiership.
On Thursday, the round will kick-off with Nowra-born Cody Walker and his Rabbitohs hosting the Broncos at Stadium Australia.
Moruya's Rhys Kennedy is on the extended bench for the visitors.
Then on Saturday, two former Group Seven talents turn coaches will face off, with Milton-Ulladulla's Justin Holbrook and his Titans entertaining Batemans Bay's Adam O'Brien and his Knights at Cbus Super Stadium.
The hosts' side will also feature Kiama's Mitch Rein at hooker.
Later that afternoon, Tathra's Adam Elliot and his Bulldogs battle the Storm before the Roosters and Sharks lock horns at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The tri-colours side features Albion Park-Oak Flats' Drew Hutchison at five-eighth and Kiama twins Josh and Brett Morris at centre and wing respectively.
While the visitors contain Narooma's Teig Wilton in the back-row and Pambula-born Jack Williams on the bench.
The round will wrap up on Sunday night, as Batemans Bay's Brad Arthur and his Eels put their unbeaten record on the line against the Dragons.
The latter's side is headlined by Group Seven's Adam Clune (Albion Park), Tariq Sims (Gerringong) and Trent Merrin (Shellharbour) - with Gerringong's Jackson Ford 18th man.