Ben Matulino

The Warriors forwards have been under the pump this season and the club is currently in the market to bolster the pack, with Kiwis captain Adam Blair the No 1 target.

After a slow start to the season due to injury, Matulino has regained some of his best form and, with 211 games under his belt, the 23-test Kiwi will not be easy to replace.

But as Matulino prepares to play his final match for the Warriors on Sunday against the team he is joining, Wests Tigers, Lisone said it is up to the players already in the squad to lift their game. 

The senior prop has missed the early stages of the season following knee surgery.

The Warriors head to Melbourne with a three win and four loss record after the seventh round 20-8 loss to the Raiders at the weekend.

Warriors coach Stephen Kearny says Matulino has been making good progress since returning to full training and should be ready to play soon.

Matulino's inclusion on the bench is the only change from the 21-man squad initially named for last Saturday's clash against Canberra.