More importantly, it will ensure the pair gain some valuable game time together with fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and hooker Issac Luke ahead of the Kiwis opening World Cup match against Samoa in Auckland on October 28.

There had been doubts about Foran after he left the field in last Friday night’s loss to South Sydney with a back injury but the Canterbury-bound five-eighth has been named for his farewell home appearance for the Warriors.

With Luke winning back his starting hooker spot following Nathaniel Roache’s season-ending injury last week, the New Zealand Test spine will play together for the first time in six weeks.

Underlying the value of the quartet at Test and club level is the fact the Warriors have failed to win a game during Johnson’s absence and have fallen from finals contention.

"It's a real credit to him and the medical staff.

"I don't know if he is 100 per cent, because I don't think many of them playing at this time of year are 100 per cent and he falls into that category but he has ticked all of the boxes.

"He's got to get through this week but he has ticked all the boxes so far. At this stage, he should be good to go."

Vs Samoa
Played: 3
W 3 – D 0 – L 0
Purchase Tickets to Samoa v New Zealand in Auckland on 28/10/2017

Vs Scotland
Played: 2
W 1 – D 0 – L 1
Purchase Tickets to Scotland v New Zealand in Christchurch on 04/11/2017

Vs Tonga
Played: 4
W 4 – D 0 – L 0
Purchase Tickets to Tonga v New Zealand in Christchurch on 04/11/2017

By Brad Walter | @BradWalterSport
Chief Correspondent, RLWC2017