Check out the match preview and prediction for the Magic Round clash between the Warriors and Panthers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
New Zealand Warriors Vs Penrith Panthers
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Date: Sunday May 19, 13:50
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Jacob Laban 18. Zyon Maiu’u 20. Edward Kosi 21. Paul Roache 22. Tanner Stowers-Smith 23. Ben Farr
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Preston Riki 20. Tyrone Peachey 21. Soni Luke 22. Scott Sorensen
Referee: Grant Atkins
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
There are a number of changes as both sides have been forced to manage multiple injuries. Nathan Cleary will be out for two months after re-injuring his hamstring last week. Jarome Luai has shifted to halfback as Brad Schneider getting injured in NSW Cup last week, with Jack Cole set to start at five-eighth. Izack Tago returns from suspension in the centres, pushing Paul Alamoti out of the 17. Liam Henry is also sidelined with concussion, with Matt Eisenhuth and Daine Laurie added to the bench.
The Warriors will be without numerous big names, with Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Freddy Lussick all out. Taine Tuaupiki will start at fullback, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad named at five-eighth and Te Maire Martin at halfback. Jacob Laban joins the bench, while Ali Leiataua replaces the injured Rocco Berry in the centres.
The Warriors continue to struggle in 2024, unable to back up their impressive season last year. Down in 14th, they will now need to turn it around without the services of some key players. Facing the Panthers without Cleary boosts their chances, but Penrith have proved they can survive without their star halfback.
History favours the defending premiers, having won their past eight games against the Warriors. The Warriors have also lost their last three Magic Round games and their last five at Suncorp Stadium.
With key injuries to both sides, this match might be closer than the ladder suggests, but the Panthers should still be able to prevail.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Magic Round Number Crunch.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions for Magic Round here.
Panthers by 6 points.
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