Brad Inger previews the Round One clash between the Warriors and the Titans. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Date: 13/3, Time: 3pm (Local)
Warriors Team
- Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
- David Fusitu’a
- Euan Aitken
- Peta Hiku
- Ken Maumalo
- Kodi Nikorima
- Chanel Harris-Tavita
- Addin Fonua-Blake
- Wayde Egan
- Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
- Eliesa Katoa
- Bayley Sironen
- Tohu Harris
- Jazz Tevaga
- Ben Murdoch-Masila
- Leeson Ah Mau
- Bunty Afoa
- Adam Pompey
- Sean O’Sullivan
- Tom Ale
- Josh Curran
Team Changes
IN: n/a
OUT: n/a
Titans Team
- AJ Brimson
- Corey Thompson
- Brian Kelly
- Patrick Herbert
- Anthony Don
- Ashley Taylor
- Jamal Fogarty
- Jarrod Wallace
- Mitch Rein
- Moeaki Fotuaika
- Kevin Proctor
- David Fifita
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
- Tyrone Peachey
- Sam Lisone
- Jaimin Jolliffe
- Erin Clark
- Phillip Sami
- Beau Fermor
- Herman Ese’ese
- Sam McIntyre
Team Changes
IN: n/a
OUT: n/a
Referee: Ashley Klein
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Warriors
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Warriors have another tough year ahead of them, with the likelihood of spending all of 2021 on Australian soil growing firmer every day. However, the team is committed to the cause, and with inspirational captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck announcing his exit from the NRL at the end of the season, his teammates will be aiming to send him out on a high. With the reduced preseason and the COVID-19 lockdown in Victoria, the New Zealand side only had one trial match against their round one counterparts, the Titans. The match resulted in a 12-all draw, but Warriors fans would have been happy with the new recruits’ performances, namely Addin Fonua-Blake and Euan Aitken.
2021 Warriors Season Preview
Titans
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Titans ended their 2020 campaign with a five-match winning streak, narrowingly missing out on the playoffs. That form, and the additions of David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, have increased their chances of returning to finals football. In the trial against the Warriors, the Titans showed how dangerous they can be, breaking through the New Zealand side’s defence almost at will at times. Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui were constant threats on the edges. Their other signing, former Warrior Patrick Herbert, came close to scoring on multiple occasions and is a valuable addition to the squad.
2021 Titans Season Preview
PREVIEW
Both sides have recruited well and will be aiming to start their playoff aspirations with a strong performance straight out of the gate.
For the Warriors to get the result here they need their massive forward pack to get the edge over Gold Coast; if they are able to turn the momentum in their favour it will allow Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima to lead their dangerous backline into plenty of scoring opportunities. The New Zealand side will also need to improve their edge defence and shut down the lethal Titans edges.
For the Titans to get the result here, they will need to keep the Warriors’ pack contained, wrapping the ball carriers up to prevent any offloads. With the ball in hand, they need to target the Warriors’ edges and utilise Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui as much as possible. Jamal Fogarty will need to continue his recent form and utilise his pinpoint kicking to turn the large Warriors wingers around, preventing them from their damaging kick returns.
KEY STAT
The Warriors have the edge when it comes to playing at Central Coast Stadium, winning six out of 10 matches, where the Titans have only managed one victory out of four appearances. The last three encounters between these sides have been evenly matched. In 2019 the Warriors defeated the Titans 24-20, and in 2020 the Titans returned the favour with a 16-12 win. The last match they played was the 12-all draw a few weeks ago.
PREDICTION
This match is a tough one to call: both sides have top eight written all over them, and it will go down to the wire. I have gone with the Warriors; it will be close, but the New Zealand side like the Central Coast, and that’s why I have given them the edge here.
Warriors by 10.
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