Vatuvei has been unable to return to full fitness in time since injuring his knee during a wrestling session earlier this month.
In naming his first NRL team for the Warriors, Coach Stephen Kearney has named the same starting lineup that played Gold Coast in a recent trial match in Palmerston North.
Rookie stand-off Mafoa'Aeata Hingano will make his NRL debut in the halves alongside playmaker Shaun Johnson.
Fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will captain the side in his first game back in the NRL in 11 months.
