2021 NRL Round 16 Preview, Warriors Vs Dragons
Craig Cauchi previews a middle of the table clash between the Warriors and the Dragons. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Date: 2/7, Time: 6pm (8pm NZ)
Warriors Team
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Marcelo Montoya
5. Edward Kosi
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Chad Townsend
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Kane Evans
11. Eliesa Katoa
12. Ben Murdoch-Masila
13. Tohu Harris
14. Jazz Tevaga
15. Leeson Ah Mau
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Bayley Sironen
18. Rocco Berry
20. Jack Murchie
21. Taniela Otukolo
22. Sean O’Sullivan
Team Changes
IN: Bunty Afoa, Chad Townsend, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jack Murchie, Rocco Berry, Wayde Egan
OUT: Euan Aitken, Josh Curran, Reece Walsh
Dragons Team
1. Matt Dufty
2. Cody Ramsey
3. Brayden Wiliame
4. Jack Bird
5. Gerard Beale
6. Corey Norman
7. Ben Hunt
8. Blake Lawrie
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Paul Vaughan
11. Josh Kerr
12. Tariq Sims
13. Jack de Belin
14. Josh McGuire
15. Billy Burns
16. Daniel Alvaro
17. Tyrell Fuimaono
18. Adam Clune
19. Jackson Ford
20. Kaide Ellis
21. Jordan Pereira
Team Changes
IN: Jackson Ford, Jordan Pereira, Josh McGuire, Kaide Ellis, Matthew Dufty, Tyrell Fuimaono
OUT: Mikaele Ravalawa, Poasa Faamausili, Tyrell Sloan
Referee: Peter Gough
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Warriors
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter being ruled out of Origin II, Reece Walsh hasn’t been named for the Warriors after picking up a hamstring strain. Euan Aitken and Josh Curran are in a two week isolation while new recruits Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Chad Townsend have been named in the starting side.
The Warriors would have enjoyed the week off after a run of three losses. This will give them a chance to re-evaluate their position in the competition and understand what needs to be done to qualify for the top eight. The run needs to start now.
Dragons
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Dragons welcome back Matt Dufty from injury and Tyrell Fuimaono and Josh McGuire from suspension. Their three origin representatives have been named to back up while Jack Bird is pushed back to the centre. Gerard Beale take the wing position vacated by Mikaele Ravalawa who has been suspended for 4 weeks.
Before the representative round, the Dragons had a stretch of inconsistent football. They still sit inside the top eight and should be motivated to view this match as a four-point game with the bye only a week away.
PREVIEW
The Dragons defence has been found wanting in recent weeks when quick footed halves take the line on. The lateral movement of Warriors Kodi Nikorima has the ability to truly trouble the Dragons edge defence. All eyes will be on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and the Dragons will spend time this week coming up with a plan to neutralise the fullback’s threats. That’s why Nikorima plays a crucial role for his team. If he can take the line on and urge his forwards to run off him it will create that space out wide for Tuivasa-Sheck to dominate.
Matt Dufty will be keen to put on a display at the Central Coast Stadium. The fullback left many spectators questioning the Dragons decision after he stared against the Broncos only to put in an uninspiring effort against the Bulldogs the following week. He missed the clash against the Raiders because of his shoulder injury and it gave Tyrell Sloane his chance for a debut. Dufty knows that a contract with another club will be on offer for him if he can help deliver a finals appearance for the Dragons. It starts now with a strong all round game against the Warriors.
KEY STAT
The Warriors recent record against the Dragons has been promising and were able to call upon that when they defeated their opponents earlier in the year. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was at his best as he helped dismantle a Dragons side that had just come down from defeating Paramatta.
PREDICTION
Warriors humbled the Dragons this time last year on the Central Coast and are looking set to do it again. Warriors by 14.
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Comments (1)
Thomas.Metta
Good evening ,I requesting if you could give me every update of the NRL games..