Blake Green's rib injury has sidelined him for the visit of the Storm.

Standoff Blake Green will be sidelined for the New Zealand Warriors' round 19 NRL match against the Melbourne Storm on Sunday.

Green has been ruled out with a rib complaint, suffered in the dying stages of his side's 26-6 win over the Brisbane Broncos in Brisbane last Sunday. He's been replaced in the starting line-up by Mason Lino.

It will be Lino's sixth appearance this season and his first since the 24-14 win over Parramatta on May 18.

Utility Pita Hiku also drops out of the original 21 named for the 4pm match at Mount Smart Stadium, due to a hand injury. Both he and Green are expected to be fit for Round 20.

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