Shaun Johnson won't feature for the Warriors when they take on the unbeaten Dragons on Friday night.

Halfback Shaun Johnson and centre Solomone Kata have been ruled out of the Warriors' NRL match against the St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday night.

They will be replaced in the starting lineup by Mason Lino and Anthony Gelling for the round seven match at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.

Lino previously started in the Warriors' round five win over the Sydney Roosters, when Johnson was ruled out with a leg injury.

Gelling will make his first start of the season after coming off the bench three times previously.

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The Warriors announced last Sunday that Kata picked up an ankle injury in last weekend's loss to the Brisbane Broncos, and that was he expected to be out for four weeks, but proceeded to name him in their team on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, hooker Isaac Luke said the Warriors needed to come back strong after suffering their first defeat of the season.

"We didn't show up last week, so we have to make sure we show up this week," he said.

"What better chance to showcase our great game than by playing St George who are on top of the ladder?

"They're playing some great football at the moment and we want to make sure we're part of that contest."

AT A GLANCE

Warriors' team to play Dragons: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Anthony Gelling, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Mason Lino, Bunty Afoa, Issac Luke, Agnatius Paasi, Simon Mannering, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair. Interchange (from): Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Albert Vete, Chris Satae, Isaia Papali'i, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.