Brad Inger previews the round eleven clash between the Dragons and the Warriors. Here’s what we have to look forward to.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs New Zealand Warriors
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Date: Saturday May 21, 3:00pm (5:00pm NZ Time)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Related: NRL Team List Tuesday
Embed from Getty ImagesDragons: 1. Cody Ramsey 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 10. Blake Lawrie 9. Moses Mbye 18. Francis Molo 11. Jack Bird 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Jack De Belin 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Tariq Sims 16. Aaron Woods 17. Michael Molo 19. Tyrell Fuimaono 20. Tautau Moga 21. George Burgess 22. Tyrell Sloan 23. Josh Kerr 24. Jackson Ford 25. Jaiyden Hunt
Cody Ramsey takes the fullback spot with Tyrell Sloan being dropped to the extended bench. Jack Gosiewski replaces Josh McGuire, who is out with a groin injury in the second row, and Francis Molo’s younger brother Michael is set to make his NRL debut off the bench.
Embed from Getty ImagesWarriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tohu Harris 13. Jack Murchie 14. Aaron Pene 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Freddy Lussick 18. Eliesa Katoa 20. Taniela Otukolo 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Pride Petterson-Robati 23. Junior Ratuva 24. Ronald Volkman 25. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Tohu Harris is back in the starting lineup, joined by Euan Aitken, who is back from his concussion stand-down. Aaron Pene has moved to the interchange, with Jack Murchie moving to Lock. Jesse Arthars and Chanel Harris-Tavita return from injury and have been named on the extended bench and may move into the gameday 17 closer to kickoff.
Referee: Peter Gough
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Dragons come into round 11 after an impressive yet ultimately disappointing 20-16 Golden Point defeat to the Gold Coast Titans. This year, they have defeated the Warriors already, and if they stick to the same game plan, they should find themselves in the driver’s seat this round. If they can give their large wingers and centres the ball in space, they should be able to expose the Warrior’s edges, and the points will come.
The Warrior’s 32-30 loss against the Rabbitohs may look flattering, but a 26-6 halftime deficit is a worrying sign. The New Zealand side cannot afford to start this match slowly; if they perform like they did in their second half effort against Souths, they may have the advantage. To get back into the winner’s circle, the Warriors need their spine to step up and start creating attacking opportunities; the forward pack is delivering up front, so it’s time for the halves to do their part.
Both sides are still in the hunt for a top eight spot, but they need to win this match to get there. This should lead to an exciting matchup; both sides have big forwards, exciting backs and an experienced halfback to lead the side, so it should be a tight tussle. Neither side can underestimate their opposition, but the Warriors will want to celebrate Jazz Tevaga’s 100th match with a win.
Embed from Getty ImagesINTERESTING FACT
In the 33 clashes between these sides, the Dragons have the advantage with 23 victories to the Warriors 10. The Dragons are on a two match winning streak against the New Zealand side, with the last match being their 28-16 win in Round 1 of this season. However, the Warriors were victorious in the last game played at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, winning 20-14 in Round 6 of the 2021 season.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Warriors by 10
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Than kyou your predictions helps a lot.
Please notify me if there any slightest change regarding line ups.
Best Regards,
Mathew